Football News: Tijjani Reijnders Shines for AC Milan and Netherlands Ahead of Euro 2024
In 2022, AZ Alkmaar’s Tijjani Reijnders caught the eye of Pascal Jansen, who recalls the midfielder’s impressive performances: “He smashed everyone in midfield.” Reijnders’ ambition led him to request more playing time, and the following season, he started every one of AZ’s 54 matches, earning a move to AC Milan last summer.
Jansen has witnessed Reijnders’ growth, saying, “He has improved himself so, so much. He made the next step and just continued.” This summer, the 25-year-old will shoulder the responsibility of directing the Netherlands’ midfield at Euro 2024, following the departures of Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners.
“The way that he has been able to continue to progress has been unbelievable. He has put himself on the map with some really good performances for the national team. I have no doubt in my mind. None whatsoever.”
Reijnders’ debut season in Serie A has been equally impressive, as he ranks among the top 10 players in the league for chances created from open play, passes completed in the final third, and through-balls. Jansen praises his adaptability, noting that Reijnders has maintained his signature smile and joy for the game, even in a new environment.
The decision to join AC Milan was a strategic one, with Reijnders keen to follow in the footsteps of Dutch legends like Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, and Frank Rijkaard, who brought the club European glory in the late 1980s. Reijnders will don the iconic No. 14 jersey, synonymous with Johan Cruyff, and he has already made his mark on the international stage, scoring a stunner against Scotland in March.
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