Tijjani Reijnders is in outstanding form this season at AC Milan. The Dutch midfielder underscored this on Saturday with his fifth and sixth goals of the campaign. His performance secured a convincing victory over Empoli and earned high praise from the Italian media.
Tijjani Reijnders has taken Serie A by storm this season, becoming the centerpiece of AC Milan's midfield and earning widespread acclaim from fans, pundits, and the media alike.
Saturday's emphatic performance against Empoli marked yet another milestone in his rise to stardom, as he delivered two goals and orchestrated play with the finesse that has become his trademark. Media outlets across Italy were unanimous in their praise, with Corriere dello Sport dubbing it the "Reijnders Celebration" and Tuttosport summarizing the match as "a Reijnders show." Sky Sports joined in, declaring, "Reijnders runs AC Milan," and awarding him a match rating of 8, a sentiment echoed by Serie A, which also named him the player of the match.
Reijnders’ performances are not just about numbers they reflect a unique blend of elegance, intelligence, and vision. La Gazzetta dello Sport has even posed the question: Is Reijnders the best midfielder in Serie A? It’s a lofty title in a league brimming with talent, with names like Nicolò Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Ederson, Scott McTominay, and Teun Koopmeiners also vying for that honor. Yet, the Dutchman’s rapid ascent and his ability to control games with effortless composure have set him apart. The newspaper also pointed to his remarkable journey, noting how, just nine years ago, Reijnders was playing amateur football with CSV'28 while working a job in a supermarket to make ends meet. His meteoric rise is a testament to his resilience and dedication, culminating in a €20 million move to Milan from AZ Alkmaar last summer a fee La Gazzetta now describes as "theft," given that his market value has already tripled.
"Reijnders was born elegant," the paper adds, emphasizing the aesthetic quality of his play. While he may not possess the defensive steel of a Claude Makélélé, his technical ability, footballing intelligence, and strategic vision make him one of the most enjoyable players to watch. The combination of his fluid movement, precise passing, and knack for timely interventions has made him indispensable to AC Milan’s aspirations this season.
Speaking after his star performance against Empoli, Reijnders himself remained grounded and focused on the bigger picture. "This season is going very well for me," he said, acknowledging his current form but emphasizing the collective goals of the team. "We have to keep pushing, and we're not there yet. Of course, we want to compete for the title, but seventh place is not where we want to be. That's why we must keep fighting and continuously improve ourselves." His humility and commitment reflect the mentality of a player determined not just to shine individually but to elevate his team to greater heights.
For AC Milan, Reijnders represents more than just a smart signing he embodies the club's vision for a dynamic, modern midfield capable of competing at the highest level. Manager Stefano Pioli has entrusted him with a pivotal role, and the Dutchman has repaid that faith with performances that have made him a fan favorite at San Siro. His ability to dictate tempo, transition seamlessly between defense and attack, and contribute in the final third has transformed Milan’s midfield into a well-oiled engine.
The victory over Empoli not only highlighted Reijnders' individual brilliance but also served as a reminder of Milan's potential when firing on all cylinders. While the team still has ground to cover in the league standings, Reijnders’ leadership on the pitch offers hope for a resurgence. His journey from amateur football to Serie A stardom is a story of perseverance and talent, and if his current trajectory continues, there’s no telling how far he can go.
With the season still in its early stages, the spotlight will remain firmly on Reijnders as he looks to build on his impressive start. Whether he can solidify his claim as Serie A’s best midfielder remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: he is already one of the most captivating players to watch, and his impact on AC Milan’s fortunes is undeniable.
