During the international break, some signs arrived regarding a role that Tijjani Reijnders could occupy for AC Milan under Paulo Fonseca.
Reijnders arrived just over a year ago from AZ Alkmaar and it was common knowledge that his best position is as a mezzala – a box-to-box midfielder – but he has so far been used mostly in a deeper role for the Rossoneri. Before the next game against Venezia, check out Alberta online betting.
Attention Fonseca
On Saturday evening, the Netherlands won 5-2 against Bosnia in Eindhoven. The main protagonist of the match was Reijnders who scored a goal, provided an assist for Gakpo and hit the crossbar.
Ronald Koeman was obviously pleasantly surprised by the performance of the 26-year-old, as he admitted after the game: “Tijjani is a super complete midfielder, he also has good acceleration.”
Adding more end product to his game was the obvious next step for Reijnders as well as being more decisive in the biggest games, but it was certainly a positive first season for the Dutchman who has now become a starter for his country.
His role is an interesting topic, because under Koeman he seems to have more creative freedom as an attacking midfielder, linking well with Gakpo and Zirkzee, while bringing Gravenberch and Schouten into the game at the right time.
Clubs and national teams obviously have different tactics and dynamics, but this could also be an indication for Fonseca, who is still looking for the best positions in the formation he has in mind for his Milan.
Currently the Portuguese opts for a 4-2-3-1 that ‘flattens’ into a 4-2-4 in possession with the aim of creating passing triangles. However, Reijnders is thus relegated to areas where he is unable to make an impact and has too many defensive tasks to take care.
In a system where Ruben Loftus-Cheek has often been used as a ‘balancing’ attacking midfielder, the feeling is Reijnders could do that too because of his work rate, but with more end product.
Big targets
Reijnders spoke at a press conference before the game and reflected on his time in Italy thus far and what he wishes to achieve this season.
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.”
