MANCHESTER CITY star Tijjani Reijnders insists he is “not the new Kevin De Bruyne”.
Reijnders, 27, joined City last summer following a £46million deal with AC Milan and has gone on to amass a total of three goals as well as six assists in 27 appearances this season.
The versatile midfielder started to receive comparisons to Man City legend De Bruyne, 34, early into his stint at the Etihad.
Although the Netherlands international admits this is a “huge compliment”, he is adamant he is not like the Napoli superstar, who rolled credits on a glittering 10-year stint with the Citizens last summer.
Reijnders revealed the club also made it clear immediately upon his arrival that they don’t expect him to fill the Belgium international’s massive boots.
The Dutchman is adamant that he sees himself as an “all-round midfielder” that fits better at No8 compared to City’s legendary No10.
Reijnders told Voetbal International: “After my debut against Wolves, analysts compared me to Kevin De Bruyne.
“That’s obviously a huge compliment. But my role is different, my qualities are different.
“City told me that from the start, and I’ve said it myself many times: I am not the new De Bruyne.
“I’m an all-round midfielder, but I primarily see myself as a number eight.
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“A box-to-box player, operating between defence and attack. I like to be involved in the build-up and in the final phase.
“That I often arrive in scoring positions is my biggest strength. Usually, I get at least two good chances per game.
“I’m not scoring as frequently as I did at Milan yet, but I’m getting into the right positions.
“That’s where it starts. I trust that the goals will come again.”
