Since joining AC Milan in the 2023 summer mercato, Tijjani Reijnders has grown massively and can be described as an indispensable player for Stefano Pioli. In a recent interview, he spoke about his role for the Rossoneri and how it has helped him in the National Team.
After the summer of 2022, which left a lot to be desired, Milan’s recruitment in 2023 had to be much better. Headlined by Christian Pulisic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the window was a major improvement, and the acquisition of Reijnders is yet another example of a successful summer.
The midfielder offers the Rossoneri so much in a variety of different ways. The 25-year-old allows Pioli to vary his midfield in several ways due to his confidence in altering his role and doing so to a consistently high standard.
In recent weeks, the 58-year-old has seemed to have settled on his favourite midfield combination, partnering the Dutchman with Ismael Bennacer, given both are highly fluid in their roles and capable of unlocking the best in their partner.
On Friday evening, Reijnders scored his first goal for the National team, a well-struck long-range effort and after the game, he spoke to the Dutch media outlet, NOS, to discuss the goal and his role within the National Team set-up. His words have been relayed by MilanNews.
On his first goal for the Netherlands…
“The moment I kicked the ball, I immediately had the feeling that the ball would go in. It was very nice to score my first goal for the Dutch national team. Was it my best goal ever? Maybe yes, in any case, it is very high on the list.”
Comforts of the National Team, and looking forward to playing with Frenkie De Jong…
“I felt very comfortable with the Dutch team straight away. I have the same role here as I have at AC Milan, so I was able to integrate my game well into that of the national team.
“Frenkie de Jong? We are both footballers who like to have the ball between our feet and want to play it. I think we can get on well together.”
That was a pretty goal! Hope he can score these more often.