One of Milan’s top midfield targets this summer is AZ Alkmaar’s Tijjani Reijnders, a player who could be the perfect fit for Stefano Pioli’s squad.
Multiple media reports in recent weeks have highlighted the Rossoneri’s interest in the Dutchman, who could add some much-needed creativity and magic to Pioli’s midfield. The departure of Brahim Diaz and disappointing work of Charles De Ketelaere has left the team with a gap in the middle.
The 24-year-old Reijnders is an inventive and attacking-minded central midfielder who is comfortable playing as part of a two-man team behind a number 10. He is controlled and confident in possession, impressing with both his progressive passive and dribbling, regularly playing a key role in AZ’s build-up play.
This season in particular showed the Dutchman’s strengths. He scored seven goals and provided 12 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions for AZ, constantly marauding forward to progress play and put pressure on in the penalty area.
His underlying numbers also give good insight into his contributions. In the Eredivisie this season, Reijnders averaged 7.6 progressive passes per 90 minutes, 4.61 shot-creating actions per 90, 2.96 progressive carries per 90 and 2.72 duels per 90.
The early stages of his career saw him bounce around various youth teams – PEC Zwolle, FC Twente and CSV ’28 Zwolle – before finally settling with AZ in the summer of 2017. He spent six months on loan with RKC Waalwijk in 2020 before properly breaking into the first team.
The son of former FC Zwolle striker Martin Reijnders, the 24-year-old stands at 185cm tall and is right-footed. He is not the most physical player but is tricky enough to maintain control of the ball regardless.
One area where Reijnders fails to stand out is his defensive play; whilst he’s comfortable pressing and making interceptions, he is not particularly known for his other work at the back, putting a little more pressure on the other midfielder in his two-man team.
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