Reijnders Shines in City's Comfortable K-League Victory

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 5

Barely involved, and when he was, it was costly. Beaten at his near post for the K-League XI equaliser, his evening amounted to one meaningful action: picking the ball out of his net.

Rico Lewis – 6

Neat, tidy, but subdued at right-back. His touch and awareness belong higher up the pitch, as his display last Saturday underlined. This felt like a reminder that his long-term future lies in midfield, not on the flank.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 6

City’s dominance left him with little to do. The Uzbek defender cruised through his 45 minutes, his pace rarely tested, his concentration never really stretched.

Ruben Dias – 6

Wore the armband and carried himself like the leader City know he is. Organised, vocal, authoritative. With Bernardo Silva gone, the question grows louder: is this the season Dias becomes permanent captain?

Josko Gvardiol – 6

Stationed at left-back and barely ruffled. Solid, composed, untroubled. With Maresca blessed with centre-back options, nights like this strengthen the case for Gvardiol as a starting left-back when it matters.

Mateo Kovacic – 7

Looked sharp, mobile and fully over last season’s injury troubles. Demanded the ball, dictated rhythm and offered control. With Rodri absent, the Croatian’s influence loomed large, backing up his recent claim that the club “count on me” this season.

Tijjani Reijnders – 8

The standout. Given licence to roam, he repeatedly surged into the box and bent the game to his tempo. Drove the move for the opener, then thumped home a superb second with a rasping finish. This was a midfielder playing with conviction and purpose.

Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7

Pushed higher than his usual left-back berth and responded with a winger’s instinct. Timed his run, met the ball first time and dispatched a crisp finish to break the deadlock. A different role, same assurance.

Antoine Semenyo – 8

Electric again. Operating from the right, he tormented defenders with direct running and invention. His audacious flick to tee up Reijnders’ goal summed up a player brimming with confidence and daring.

Phil Foden – 6

Forever checking his shoulders, forever hunting pockets of space. The ideas were there, but the execution wavered. Blazed over from a very presentable chance that he would normally bury.

Divin Mubama – 7

A striker playing himself into the conversation. Poached his second goal in as many pre-season games, reacting quickest after the goalkeeper spilled the ball. Should have had another with the goal gaping, but the miss will not overshadow his momentum.

Marcus Bettinelli – 6

Third-choice on paper, assured in practice. Dealt calmly with what little came his way, including a confident claim from a high cross under pressure.

Vitor Reis – 6

Alert to danger. Reacted sharply to race back and produce a vital block as the K-League XI broke with intent. One of those small moments that defenders value more than most spectators.

Max Alleyne – 6

Read the game well and stepped across to snuff out a promising attack. Simple, decisive defending that spoke of good instincts.

Savinho – 6

Couldn’t recreate the spark he showed against Inter. Worked, probed, but never quite found the moment to turn the game his way.

Nico Gonzalez – 6

Always available, always offering himself as an outlet. Kept the ball moving and will eye the gap left by Rodri’s absence as a real opportunity to climb the pecking order.

Stephen Mfuni – 6

Another useful batch of senior minutes at left-back for the England youth international. Steady rather than spectacular, but these outings matter.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Back from World Cup duty with Portugal and slotted straight into his now-familiar right-back role. Did his job without fuss, a curious new normal for a player once billed as a central midfield dynamo.

Omar Marmoush – 6

Returned from the World Cup with Egypt and went hunting for a goal. Couldn’t steer a header on target and saw two more efforts repelled by the goalkeeper. Lively, but unrewarded.

Jaden Heskey – 6

A surname that carries weight and a situation that raises intrigue. With brother Reigan leaving the club this summer, his own future hangs in the air. For now, he has minutes, if not yet clarity.

Claudio Echeverri – 6

Introduced after the break but struggled to stamp himself on the contest. Flickers of intent, nothing that truly shifted the pattern of the game.

Jeremy Monga – 6

A first glimpse of the £10m teenager since his move from Leicester. Showed flashes to excite and thought he had his moment, only for a disallowed goal to cut the celebration short. The promise is obvious; the real tests lie ahead.

Subs not used: Jack Wint, Max Chabot, Kaden Braithwaite, Matty Henderson-Hall, Divine Mukasa, Xavier Parker, Floyd Samba, Mahamadou Sangare.