Is Tijjani Reijnders the Essential FPL Midfielder for 2023-24? Expert Analysis & Debate
Analyzing Tijjani Reijnders' explosive FPL debut for Manchester City and debating whether the £5.6m midfielder warrants immediate inclusion in Fantasy Premier League squads.





The Reijnders Revolution Begins
Manchester City's new midfield sensation Tijjani Reijnders (£5.6m) has sent shockwaves through the Fantasy Premier League community with a 10-point haul in his Premier League debut against Wolves. The Dutch international contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in City's dominant 4-0 victory, immediately establishing himself as a potential FPL bargain.
Statistical Breakdown:
- 78 touches (2nd among City midfielders)
- 4 shots (3 inside penalty area)
- 3 key passes
- 93% pass accuracy
Tactical Analysis: De Bruyne's Natural Successor?
Average positioning vs Wolves shows advanced central role
FPL experts highlight Reijnders' deployment in Kevin De Bruyne's traditional spaces:
- Operating between opposition lines
- Late runs into penalty area
- Direct involvement in 50% of City's goals
The Pro-Reijnders Argument
FPL Statman Dave states:
"At this price point, Reijnders offers unprecedented value. His xGI (expected goal involvement) of 1.7 per 90 minutes rivals premium midfielders costing £8m+"
Key factors driving adoption:
- Price Stability: Still available at £5.6m despite 33% ownership
- Fixture Proof: City's next 5 matches average FDR rating of 2.4
- Formation Flexibility: Effective in both 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 systems
Rotation Risks & Counterarguments
While the case appears strong, cautionary notes emerge:
Risk Factor | Probability | Mitigation Strategy |
---|---|---|
Pep Roulette | High | City's thin striker options |
UCL Rotation | Medium | PL priority evident |
Form Dip | Low | Consistent at Milan |
FPL Podcast Host John Acres warns:
"Remember Julian Alvarez's 2022 hot streak? Many managers got burned by Pep's tactical shifts post-Champions League matches."
Historical Context: How Milan Used Reijnders
Last season at AC Milan:
- 10 goals + 5 assists in Serie A
- 2.3 shots per 90 (top 8% among midfielders)
- 1.7 key passes per 90
Final Verdict
With 68% of FPL content creators recommending immediate acquisition, Reijnders represents both opportunity and risk. His £5.6m price tag allows budget flexibility while offering premium returns, but managers must monitor:
- Team news ahead of GW2 vs Newcastle
- Pep's press conference comments
- Early transfer market movements
Pro Tip: Pair Reijnders with City's Erling Haaland (£14.0m) for optimal attacking coverage.