The arrival of Tijjani Reijnders at AC Milan has ignited a wave of excitement among the Rossoneri faithful. But amidst the anticipation, there has also been a disheartening trend of comparisons to legendary Dutch players. Reijnders, however, calmly and respectfully refutes these comparisons, emphasizing that each player is unique. It is a shame that the club itself has fueled this stereotypical approach by staging a photo op with Reijnders painting a “Van Gogh” portrait of himself – a blatant attempt to exploit Italian biases about Dutch players. Reijnders deserves more than lazy stereotypes; he is a modern midfielder who brings a unique set of skills and qualities to the table, and his kind personality only adds to his charm.
Beyond Dutch Heritage: A Hidden Gem
While Milan has been keen on highlighting Reijnders’ Dutch origins, they have overlooked a crucial part of his identity: his Indonesian heritage. His mother hails from Ambon, Maluku in Indonesia, a fact that holds special significance for Milan’s passionate fanbase in Indonesia. Reijnders’ arrival marks a historic moment for the club, as he is the first player with Indonesian heritage to don the iconic Rossoneri shirt. It is a missed opportunity for the club to connect with this vibrant and devoted fanbase. The club’s focus seems to be on the US market, neglecting a large and passionate fanbase in Indonesia. It is a shame that this significant connection is being overlooked, as the fans in Indonesia are some of the most dedicated and incredible supporters Milan has.
A Footballing Family Legacy
Reijnders’ journey to Milan is not just a personal story; it’s a family affair. He is the son of Martin Reijnders, a former professional footballer who also served as an assistant manager and player for their local club, PEC Zwolle. His older brother, Eliano Reijnders, is also a professional midfielder. The Reijnders family has a deep connection to PEC Zwolle, with all three brothers having played for the club at some point. This shared passion for the game has been a defining element in their lives, and Tijjani’s success is a testament to his family’s legacy in football.
A Journey to the Top
Reijnders’ footballing journey began at the young age of five with WVF Zwolle. At the age of nine, he joined PEC Zwolle and honed his skills within their youth system. After a brief stint at FC Twente, he returned to PEC Zwolle’s youth team and made his senior debut for the club. In 2018, he moved to AZ Alkmaar, where he spent most of his time with the reserve team, Jong AZ. After a loan spell with RKC Waalwijk, Reijnders’ talent finally caught the eye of the AZ first team, and he earned his place on the squad. His breakthrough season came in 2022-23, where he impressed with his performances in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Europa Conference League, where AZ Alkmaar reached the semi-finals.
A Modern Midfielder: Skills and Potential
Reijnders has already showcased his ability on the U.S. tour, drawing attention with his impressive performances in friendlies. He defines himself as a modern midfielder, a player who can operate both offensively and defensively. Reijnders excels at dribbling, creating scoring opportunities, and attacking with creativity. His speed and strength make him a formidable force on the pitch. While he acknowledges the need to refine his defensive skills, his dedication to the game and his willingness to learn make him a valuable asset to the Rossoneri. A comprehensive scouting report by Marc Lamberts highlights his strengths and areas for improvement, confirming his potential to become a key player for Milan.
A Fresh Perspective on Milan’s Midfield
Reijnders brings a unique set of skills and attributes to Milan. His ability to recover the ball in the midfield is a crucial element that the team has been lacking. His attacking instincts and determination to push forward perfectly align with Pioli’s vision for Milan’s game. With his drive to succeed and his eagerness to learn from one of the best managers in the game, Reijnders is poised for a successful future in Milan. His humble approach and willingness to learn make him a perfect fit for Pioli’s team.
Ambition and Dedication: A Player Ready to Conquer
Reijnders is not afraid of challenges; he embraces them with confidence and determination. He is a hardworking player who is eager to prove himself. He has a clear ambition – to win trophies with Milan. His decision to join Milan over other clubs, including Barcelona, speaks volumes about his commitment to the club. Reijnders has arrived at his peak, having received his first call-up to the Netherlands national team in May. His journey to Milan is a testament to his dedication and hard work. The future looks bright for Reijnders, who is ready to prove himself in Serie A and make a lasting impact on Milan’s legacy.
Beyond Stereotypes: A New Era
Tijjani Reijnders is more than a Dutch midfielder; he is a modern footballer who brings a unique blend of skill, ambition, and personality to the Rossoneri. It’s time to stop comparing him to past players and start appreciating the unique qualities he brings to the team. Reijnders is ready to write his own story at Milan. The future is promising for this talented midfielder, who is poised to become a key player in Milan’s pursuit of success.
