Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that he has set higher targets for himself in his second season at AC Milan, as well as the club having bigger goals too.
Reijnders arrived from AZ Alkmaar last summer and it would be fair to say that not many people knew what to expect, given that he had very positive numbers but in a league like the Eredivisie which is – with respect – not considered elite.
However, his important to Stefano Pioli’s system became apparent after just a few games and he ended up racking up a huge amount of minutes, showing himself to be a reliable option as well as a creative metronome.
Adding more end product to his game is the obvious next step as well as being more decisive in the biggest games, but it was certainly a positive first season for the Dutchman who ended up getting a call-up and being a starter for his country at the 2024 European Championship.
Reijnders is currently away with the Dutch national team as they have UEFA Nations League commitments over the break and he spoke at a press conference, with his words relayed by PianetaMilan.
How did your first season at Milan go?
“I had a good first season. The expectations at the club are higher. The number of goals and assists I scored last year must increase. This is my goal for myself. I will do everything I can to achieve this goal this year.”
And how did you find Euro 2024?
“It’s been a long season. I needed to do nothing for a while and clear my head. I re-watched the tournament while I was on holiday and checked how it was there and what maybe could be improved for the next finals, if we are there. I think we played well as a team.
“A semi-final of the European Championship is no mean feat. I think we can certainly be proud. Obviously you want to win a European Championship. It didn’t work out. This is a good goal for the next finals of the tournament.”
There are new faces in the national team…
“There are new faces, which brings new energy. I saw it during training. You can see the freshness of the lads. Some lads are new and want to make a good impression.”
Poor dude played out of position by second coach in a row. Now I wish we’d sign Nopetegui, at least he plays formation suited for our crop midfielders. And probably wouldn’t have to watch Emerson in red and black.
What’s his position?
What’s his key strength?
He’s not a great passer, goal scorer, or battler, so what exactly does he bring to the table to raise the team to a new level?
In my opinion we won’t know if he’s any good as long as he’s played out of position. He’s a pure mezz’ala, a wide playmaker not a pivot. We only needed a DM and a proper ST this summer. There were quality DMs out there available on a cheap like Prati, Amrabat and Tessmann who also happen to play in Serie A meaning they would come half settled already.
Can’t the coaches at Milan see how the dude is being used by the Netherland coach and how he plays better with the National team
He’s a very good player and about the only one so far this season who can hold his head up
????
What’s he actually done?
Yes expectations at Milan are higher and my personal expectations are that you bring more to the table than some nice touches.
We need someone to take control of the midfield. If that’s not you then find a different club.