Tijjani Reijnders was one of the best players on the pitch for AC Milan in their win against Monza last night. Bar a mishit free-kick, the Dutchman showed off his qualities and he spoke to the media afterwards.
Reijnders was given the MOTM award in our player ratings, with a 6.5/10, and was the best player for Milan along with his midfield partner Ruben Loftus-Cheek. With the season opener fast approaching, it’s good to see the signings doing well.
Speaking to MilanTV after the game, as you can see in the video below, Reijnders shared his thoughts on the game and his role.
On the game…
“Yeah it was a good match. In the first half we controlled the game, but a little less in the second. I think we should have found the winner before the penalty shootout.”
On his role…
“In the beginning, it’s like searching for what your position is. Of course, with a new team you have a different role. Now I’m getting more confident because I know what the coach wants me to do, and I can be myself.”
On the welcome he has received…
“It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and you feel that immediately. The training intensity is high and the matches we play are good. I felt very welcome from the beginning, it feels like a family.”
Great signing. I always spoke highly of you. I know what you are capable of. Who is Tijjani ‘s nick in the team? I ask ,cos this guy is good. He is so key to Milan’s play ,and I think he is going to play about 50+ matches this season.
All he needs is for players to complement his playing style, cus he’s got the pass, vision, work rate and control.
Wait, so Dave was different from King Dave this whole time???
This guy is actually an upgrade on Tonali ( my opinion) the downside is our movement off the ball is bad, we don’t have runners in-between the lines for him to open-up. His ball control, passing and ball carrying is second to none. Our players lack anticipation, Chukueze and Okafor should solve this, that’s if Master Pioli feels they are good enough to start.
Significant upgrade with the ball, he is a pleasure to watch and we missed a player like since Pirlo and Seedorf stopped playing. I’m not saying he is as good as them, but he has a technique, composure and vision we never had in years.
However it is a significant downgrade of Tonali without the ball, he is not as intense and does not cover the same distance. We need a strong defensive mid to make Rejnders and Lotus shine.
“I’m not saying he is as good as them, but he has a technique, composure and vision we never had in years.”
This. FINALLY! It’s an absolute joy to watch Reijnders pass the ball with such elegance, accuracy and vision. He’ll make double digits in assists this season.
Bingo @Dave. They’re two different players imo. I don’t mind him over Tonali IFF we get a proper DM we’ve been lacking since Kessie left and IFF he can contribute more in offensive output
This midfield in possession is very good, but the question still remains Krunic. Krunic if we look at Monzas goal was out of position marking a player already marked by Tomori, causing confusion to both of them and leaving a massive gap in the middle because ironically the one who’s supposed to know piolis tactics best looks like he knows them least. Need Dominguez asap
In my opinion, for Reijnders to really shine and be able to express his talent, we need a natural DM who will cover for him. I really hope those reports about Pioli wanting him to play a deeper role are false. He’ll ruin him.
Reindeer was great.
Upgrade on Tonali clearly. We really took Newcastle to the cleaners.
We really struck gold here with this player and he plays like he’s been part of this team already for a year.
I agree with others. We need a proper DM to complement him. An actual DM. One that does his job. That can bring out the best