Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly facing uncertainty over his place in the Netherlands national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite an impressive start to life in England, competition from fellow Dutch midfielders Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool and Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona could threaten his starting spot under Ronald Koeman.
The 26-year-old joined Manchester City from AC Milan in June for a reported £46 million fee as Pep Guardiola sought to reinforce his midfield following Kevin De Bruyne’s departure earlier this summer. Reijnders made an instant impact, starring in City’s emphatic 4-0 Premier League victory over Wolves on the opening day, where he both scored and assisted Erling Haaland.
However, his early-season brilliance has slightly tapered off amid City’s brief dip in form following back-to-back defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton. Despite that, Guardiola’s faith in the Dutchman remains firm. Reijnders has formed part of City’s preferred midfield trio alongside Rodri and Bernardo Silva, helping the team regain momentum and climb back into the top five of the Premier League standings.
Looking ahead to international duties, not everyone is convinced Reijnders will secure a starting spot for the Netherlands. Former Dutch international and Vitesse assistant coach Theo Janssen believes that Ronald Koeman might prioritize other options in midfield.
“That’s not the midfield (Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, and Ryan Gravenberch) I dream of,” Janssen told Soccer News via Sport Witness. “You need different types in midfield. They’re very similar because they rely on positional play. I think Reijnders could be the victim. He’s a very good player, but only Frenkie de Jong is undisputed.”
Janssen went on to praise Gravenberch’s ability to win duels and transition quickly, suggesting the Liverpool man and De Jong “fit together best” as a pairing. Nonetheless, Reijnders’ technical quality and work ethic could still earn him a vital role in Koeman’s plans as the tournament approaches.
Reijnders is expected to rejoin Manchester City training on Thursday as the squad prepares for their upcoming Premier League clash against Everton at the Etihad Stadium — a fixture that will see Jack Grealish make an emotional return with the Toffees, where he’s currently on loan.
FAQ
- Q: Why is Tijjani Reijnders facing uncertainty with the Netherlands national team?
A: He faces tough competition from fellow Dutch midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Frenkie de Jong, who some experts believe complement each other better in Ronald Koeman’s system.
- Q: How has Reijnders performed since joining Manchester City?
A: Reijnders has shown promise since arriving from AC Milan, delivering a standout debut against Wolves and forming part of Guardiola’s regular midfield trio this season.
- Q: What did Theo Janssen say about Reijnders’ international prospects?
A: Janssen suggested that Reijnders might be the “victim” of midfield competition, as his style is too similar to De Jong and Gravenberch, reducing tactical balance.
- Q: When will Manchester City play next?
A: City face Everton this weekend in the Premier League, with preparations already underway at the Etihad Campus.
Conclusion
Tijjani Reijnders’ adaptation to life in England has been largely positive, but his quest to secure a permanent role in both Manchester City’s midfield and the Netherlands national team remains ongoing. While Pep Guardiola continues to show confidence in his ability, Reijnders will need to further distinguish himself to convince Ronald Koeman ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His performance in the coming months could determine whether he travels to North America as a key part of the Oranje setup — or watches from afar.
