Guardiola set out his stall for this competition by signing three players for more than £100m – and two of those, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki, started on their debuts.
Dutchman Reijnders described himself as “box-to-box” number eight when speaking in Florida before the game and there were early positive signs too of what he will bring to this City side.
City struggled without the presence of Rodri in the middle of the park after the Spaniard’s serious knee injury last September, but may have found the perfect partner for the Ballon d’Or winner.
Reijnders’ athleticism and reading of the game was evident, showing his ability to get around the pitch to snuff out attacks, while also being able to pick out a pass and drive the side forward. He looks to have brought much-needed energy to a City midfield that was often stagnant last term.
“You feel and smell it, a really good player,” admitted Guardiola. “The pace and in the final third with the ball, when he gets the rhythm he will be top.”
French forward Cherki also showed his creativity with some neat flashes on the ball, but the 21-year-old may be a player that brings eye-catching moments in games rather than controlling the play like Reijnders.
Guardiola, who left another new signing, full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, on the bench, added: “Kevin is difficult to replace, we know that. At the same time the club decided for Rayan because he has incredible skills close to the box. It was just his first game in tough conditions.”
