Perhaps influenced by Ronald Koeman and the Netherlands, Paulo Fonseca opted to field Tijjani Reijnders in a more advanced role against Venezia. It certainly paid off, with both the No.14 and Ruben Loftus-Cheek shining.
Fans had been crying out for Reijnders in the No.10 role, having scored two goals in two games for the Netherlands, and Fonseca was left with no other choice. As a result, he also fielded Loftus-Cheek in the tandem as well.
As highlighted by MilanNews, this turned out to be a fantastic decision as both players clearly looked more comfortable. Loftus-Cheek was able to use his size and physique in the dirtiest and most physical part of the game, frustrating the Venezia players time after time.
Reijnders, meanwhile, was suddenly not forced to track back and cover areas that never were his cup of tea. Instead, he was able to use his dribbling and abilities on the ball, almost always comfortable in tight situations and combining with the attackers.
Nothing new, of course, but it was nice to see a confirmation of the idea of playing Reijnders further up and Loftus-Cheek further back. The games against Liverpool and Inter will be the true litmus tests, should Fonseca decide to continue with this midfield (and in all honesty, why wouldn’t he?).
Reijnders in the 10 (or attacking 8, depending if its a glorified 433) is a no brainer. Every fan on this website and others suggested it, and he did well fir his national side too.
Pioli didn’t realise and it took Fonseca a while to notice it. Hopefully it will become more permanent.
RLC as double pivot … not sure he should even be a starter but definitely prefer him not playing no.10
RLC should be looked at until January, we definitely need a CM/CDM and depending on RLC and Bennacer situations, we might need to add another one.
double-pivot: Fofana, Musah, Zeroli, RLC?, (Bennacer?)
CAM: Reijnders, (Liberalli?)
starting pair for Fofana plus that player’s sub are needed, also CAM. (if Liberalli and RLC can step-up, great; if not, we need reinforcements)…
Am not sure the writer watch Milan team that could not impose there game on Venezia ,check with another of misplaced passes
Even with 10 man
Milan fail to impose there game
Let’s see the out come if the mid week first before I conclud
I still don’t understand the hype around Reijnders. He’s a decent player, he doesn’t make mistakes usually, but he’s really not impressive. He can’t defend so let’s play him at 10 but he lacks shooting skills and playmaking abilities. I didn’t watch the game but his stats are not really impressive against the poorest team Milan will play this year. He’s decisive with Netherlands so hopefully he can grow into a more prominent role.
Are you alright rejnder have soothing skills he have score far wide for Acmilan
I still don’t understand the negativity around that guy Bartholomeo’s takes…. Sure he has potential but his anti-Redbird takes need to improve. So much upside with that guy. Just needs to get over his myopic takes 😉
Agree to disagree: Reijnders is easily the most creative and talented mid we have. Put him into a favorable position and he scores 2 in 2 for Holland AND looks much better at the club last game.
Definitely needs to improve his shots but at least now he’s closer to goal TO take more shots.
Forza Reijnders!
Easily based on what?
What’s he actually DONE for Milan?
He was a little better against Venezia but nothing special, and that was Venezia who were 1:0 down within a couple of minutes, and chasing the game.
This really should’ve been the game where Reijnders really shone but instead he really didn’t do much apart from that play with RLC where he put in the cross, and the shot that lead to Abraham winning the penalty.
He has a tendency to take too many touches. There was an opportunity when he was running through the middle and he delayed and then overhit the pass to Theo which killed the attack. That happens quite a lot.
RLC tends to release the ball quicker and is more direct albeit he and everyone else started taking too many touches against Venezia as the game worn on.
You’re right. Lets field Calabria in every position.
You’re denser than a 2×4. I’n sorry, I don’t have the patience for you.
Rather than randomly insulting people how about you deal with the specifics?
What has Reijnders done for Milan?
Name one game that he took charge of?
I know we disagree on everything, you said one month ago that Milan is going in the right direction, we surely don’t have the same expectations.
I don’t have any problem being proven wrong. One year ago I was against Pulisic and now he’s a key player. But Reijnders? He had a very average season last year, he had a quiet Euro and now he still didn’t show anything worthy. And he’s 26, he should be in his prime. Give me one example of a statement game from Reijnders. Meanwhile Maldini has been excellent against Inter today, if you want to watch someone creative and talented. Another poor decision from the management.
The double standards being applied to someone like Reijnders and our own youth players is really remarkable.
If any of our youth players put in the exact same performances they’d be written off on these pages.
Even Pobega smashed the bar against Como!
And did you see Cutrone!
Your didn’t watch the game? Watch the entire replay and then comment. Smh.
He really hasn’t done anything of note for Milan.
I’ve only seen highlights of his performances for Holland where he seems to be able to score and make runs, but he doesn’t do anything like this for Milan.
I am not sure you understand football my friend. Heard this same ryoe of crap about Xhaka at Arsenal. Now they know!!! Very similar rype of player, and as dor ahooting abilities no comment jus go on youtube
Who didn’t know that RLC should play more defensively and Reijnders more offensively? Apparently only Pioli and Fonseca had a hard time realizing it, which shows how mediocre these two coaches are.
RLC looked SO much better further back. Great runs forward without the responsibility to have to create the final pass or shoot. Just pass the ball to one of the 4 players in front.
Now Acmilan have discovered Rejnder perfect position so let’s get rejnder deputy it should be either liberali or musah or pulisic let’s start getting it done for a perfect season
Take it or leave it, Tijjani Reijnders is a star boy.
Will his star aura send leao back as peasant?