Since joining AC Milan, Tijjani Reijnders has showcased a myriad of talents, albeit with a noted lack of goals. However, he made headlines on Tuesday night with a stunning strike that left Monza’s goalkeeper helpless. This impressive goal served as his reintroduction to the Rossoneri faithful after returning from international duty with the Netherlands following a lengthy European Championship campaign.
Throughout the tournament, Reijnders stood out, starting all six matches for his team, leading them all the way to the semifinals, where they ultimately fell short. His debut for the national team came in September 2023, at the age of 25, marking a significant milestone in his career, with AC Milan playing a crucial role in piquing the interest of Dutch coach Ronald Koeman.
In his inaugural season with Milan, Tijjani has made significant strides, honing his effectiveness on the pitch. While there is still room for improvement, particularly in his finishing, his tactical awareness has grown tremendously. This evolution was evident in his recent performance against Monza, suggesting he will be increasingly integral to Milan’s plans this season.
Firstly, Reijnders is likely to frequently partner in midfield with players like Loftus-Cheek or Fofana, meaning much of the playmaking responsibility will rest on his shoulders. While he will be encouraged to make forward runs and contribute offensively, it is essential he maintains balance to the team.
Secondly, the intelligent movements and link-up play provided by Alvaro Morata will necessitate sharp positional awareness from his teammates, and Reijnders appears ideally suited to capitalize on this dynamic.
In his own words, “What do I like to do? Run forward with the ball and shoot, but next time I need to score… I’m a box-to-box player: sometimes I carry the ball, other times I put our attackers in the right positions. That’s how I can help the team,” he commented earlier in July after the Netherlands qualified for the knockout stages.
Under the guidance of head coach Paulo Fonseca, who emphasizes ball control and possession, Reijnders seems to be the perfect fit with his skillful touch and ability to drive play forward. Although he missed Milan’s pre-season tour in the USA due to vacation, he has already re-established communication with the coach. “I spoke with the manager. I’m looking forward to the new season and all his new ideas; after the holidays, I can’t wait to start,” he said.
With a successful debut under the new coach, keeping up this momentum will be vital. It’s clear that Tijjani Reijnders is becoming an increasingly central figure for AC Milan as they strive for success this season.