National team backed to DROP Man City star as Barcelona ace is 'undisputed' first-choice in manager's plans

Dutch pundit and former international Theo Janssen has delivered a brutal verdict, insisting Reijnders doesn’t fit the balance Koeman needs as the Netherlands push towards Euro 2026 qualification. Janssen didn’t mince his words when discussing Koeman’s midfield trio of Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong, and Ryan Gravenberch, claiming their similar styles make the team predictable.

“That’s not the midfield I dream of. You need different types in midfield,” he told Sportnieuws. “They’re very similar because they rely on positional play. It’s actually good to have a Justin Kluivert type in there. He can play a through ball, score a goal, and dive into the gaps."

When pushed to choose who should make way, the former PSV and Vitesse man didn’t hesitate.

“I think Reijnders will be the victim. He’s a very good player. Only, Frenkie de Jong is undisputed,” he added. “Gravenberch is really good at staying close, winning possessions, and playing duels. But he’s also fantastic at getting open and playing forward. Frenkie and Gravenberch complement each other; they simply fit together best.”

Even Koeman himself admits he’s spoilt for choice in the middle of the park. Speaking to NOS after the Netherlands’ recent international fixtures, the manager acknowledged the fierce competition for places.

"These are choices. Difficult choices. Frenkie, Ryan, and Tijjani would play anywhere," he said. "You keep a great player on the bench. Justin filled in well, but Tijjani can also play well there, as can Xavi Simons. I don't have a preference. Kluivert brings a different dynamic to the team. But for Spain, for example, Dani Olmo sometimes sits on the bench because Pedri is playing. Those are choices you make."

Meanwhile, Kuivert has asserted that he brings a different flair to the pitch than his teammates, implying that he should be considered ahead of the others. He is yet to find his scoring boots for the Dutch and has scored just once in seven appearances for Bournemouth this campaign. 

"I try to give myself to the team. I do bring something different than the other three midfielders," he said. "I have slightly different qualities. The manager has more options, and that's a good thing; we need that."

Since his summer switch from AC Milan, Reijnders has clocked 10 appearances across competitions, bagging one goal and three assists, including a dazzling debut display at Wolves in City’s Premier League opener. That day, the Dutchman ran the show, scoring once, assisting another, and earning glowing praise from Guardiola himself.

He told BBC Sport: "Not just today, in Palermo (a 3-0 pre-season win) he played really good. He is a typical player we need in the Premier League. He is an incredible, big signing for us. His work ethic, a holding midfielder occupies a lot of spaces and then after the control with the ball and his movements. And then he is trying to get in behind and score - really pleased."

Despite the debate surrounding his selections, Koeman’s Netherlands remain the only unbeaten side in Group G, collecting 16 points from six matches, five wins and a draw. The Dutch face Poland on November 14 in what could be a decisive seventh qualifier, as they look to seal top spot and secure early qualification.

While his international place may be under scrutiny, Reijnders’ immediate focus returns to Manchester, where City face Everton on Saturday in the Premier League. The Dutchman will once again anchor the midfield, providing the link between defence and attack in Guardiola’s intricate system. City remain in the hunt for another title, with Reijnders fast becoming a key cog in their relentless machine. His energy, vision, and discipline have already won over fans, but whether Koeman sees the same value in his setup remains to be seen.