Reijnders compares role at Milan to new one at Man City: “I don’t score as many goals”

Tijjani Reijnders has admitted that he has not been scoring as much with Manchester City as he did at AC Milan, but nor is he likely to.

Reijnders had an outstanding 2024-25 season with Milan and ended up being the big sale of the most recent summer window as he joined Manchester City for an initial fee of €57m which can rise to over €70m with bonuses.

The Dutchman has already played 27 games for his new club with nine goal contributions to his name. He has not always been a consistent starter under Pep Guardiola though, and there are still some doubts about where exactly he should fit into the midfield puzzle.

‘I don’t score as many goals’

Reijnders gave an interview to De Telegraaf in his homeland about how his first season in England is going and he offered a comparison with his time at Milan. Calciomercato.com relayed his words.

You were given the ‘new De Bruyne’ tag…

“It’s a great compliment, but I have a different role. After my debut against Wolves, they compared me to Kevin De Bruyne. Obviously, that’s a huge compliment, but I have a different role. My qualities are different too.”

Image: mancity.com

So you reject the comparison?

“City told me from the start and I’ve often told myself too: I’m not the new De Bruyne.”

What is your ideal role?

“I’m a complete midfielder, but I see myself primarily as a number eight. A box-to-box player who defends and attacks. I like to be involved in the build-up play and the final stages of a move.”

You scored 15 goals last season at Milan…

“My greatest quality is finding myself in scoring positions often. I usually have at least two good chances per game. I don’t score as many goals as I did at Milan yet, but I find myself in the right positions and everything starts from there.”