At one stage in the second half City had seven Academy graduates out on the pitch.
Ryan McAidoo, 17, scored and was outstanding on debut - as was senior teammate Antoine Semenyo, who also struck in his first game for City since his £65m arrival from Bournemouth.
Lijnders said of McAidoo: “I think everyone saw it.
“The guy he wants the ball constantly. When Ryan faces the goal, he’s so dangerous.
“He can go inside and outside and keeps the ball in different situations. This drive of always wanting to create especially how we plate with the guys on the outside.
“We want these kinds of players. If you bring guys early and train early they can adapt quicker to the intensity of the first team and make the steps we want them to make.
“Ryan today is serious. Glimpses but not only glimpses.
“The way he follows Erling (Haaland) all the time and chases. He played 95 minutes and he’s not played for quite a long time because he’s always training with us.
“He gives me a smile when he gets the ball and I think he gives the fans a smile too and that’s special.”