Dutch midfielder Tijani Reijnders of Manchester City has broken his silence to respond to recent comparisons with the club legend Kevin De Bruyne, emphasizing that he does not see himself as a direct replacement for the Belgian star nor as his "new version," despite greatly appreciating the comparison.

Reynders emphasized that being compared to De Bruyne is a great honor for any player, but he also stressed that his playing style and role on the field are different. He explained that he prefers to focus on giving his best according to his own abilities rather than trying to imitate any other player.

The Dutch midfielder explained that he plays as a number 8, participating in building up play and attacking transitions alongside defensive duties, unlike De Bruyne, who is known at Manchester City as a playmaker and number 10, with a role focused on creativity and chance creation in the final third.

Rainders pointed out that the Manchester City management and coaching staff did not ask him from the start to compensate for De Bruyne's departure or to bear the burden of being compared to the club legend. Instead, they emphasized their desire to benefit from his technical qualities, his ability to link the lines, and his freedom to move in the midfield.