Tijjani Reijnders is tipped to get another start for AC Milan tonight against Salernitana, and he has given an interview to Dutch media about a number of different topics.
Reijnders was one of the summer signings who generated the most excitement given his numbers with AZ Alkmaar. He scored his first goal in Serie A on November 11 against Lecce at the Via del Mare, then his first at San Siro on Sunday in the win over Monza.
The Dutchman has struck an excellent balance between being the creative metronome of the team but also attentive in the defensive phase and in build-up. Morever, Reijnders has been the most glaring certainty that Stafano Pioli has been able to use and this also in light of his stamina.
Reijnders spoke in an interview with Voetbal International that was published this morning and he was asked about his first few months at Milan among other topics, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
On the thrill of playing for Milan: “I put on the shirt and thought: Wow, now I’m really playing for Milan. I’m living my dream. That’s really how I see it. As a kid I dreamed of a life as a professional footballer. Preferably in a top international club, including the Dutch national team. And now I’m here, as a player for Milan and the Netherlands.”
On choosing Milan instead of Barcelona: “The aspects relating to football were fundamental in my choice. I wanted to go to an important competition, but that wasn’t the only criterion. The role that Barcelona had in mind was less suitable to my characteristics.
“My strength lies in the attacking midfield and in shuttling back and forth. And in terms of club size, Milan and Barcelona are in the same category. Speaking with Pioli I discovered that the club had followed me all year and the coach knew exactly what I could add to the team and had also been very clear about my role as an attacking midfielder.
“Pioli is an offensive-minded coach, much of his training material focuses on football solutions and how to free yourself from pressure. This also really attracted me. Milan is a huge club in a big competition, aiming to dominate matches.”
On his adaptation: “Immediately after signing we went to the United States for the training camp, it was a nice way to get to know everyone and I think it also made the difference that we advanced in the Conference with AZ. Obviously at a top clubs like Milan you always have to prove yourself, but I didn’t think there were any doubts or anything about me and I immediately felt welcome like other newcomers.”
On the team-mates he feels best with: “Ruben Loftus-Cheek and I immediately gravitated towards each other, with the advantage of being able to speak English. I get along well with Christian Pulisic, with Malick Thiaw, with a lot of guys actually.”
On the seasonal objectives: “The hunger for new successes can be seen in everything, because success is part of this club. This season has an extra boost: both Milan and Inter now have nineteen national titles and we both want to be the first to put that second star on our shirt. Furthermore, the club is obviously known for its European successes. At Milan everything is aimed at reviving the old glory days.”
I love watching this guy play. With him, Bennacer and RLC starting, I’d love to see how it looks once they develop some chemistry. Could be a very strong midfield.
That is until we lose Bennacer to AFCON.