The Corriere dello Sport today on newsstands talked about Tijjani Reijnders, born in 1998, a midfielder who arrived at Milan from AZ Alkmaar in the last summer transfer window: he has proven to be tireless.
Reijnders has played 2,215 minutes in Serie A, behind Mike Maignan (2,430 minutes) and Theo Hernandez (2,330 minutes) as one of the most present players in the Rossoneri's squad, but even ahead of Christian Pulisic (2,001 minutes). Pulisic often grabs headlines with Rafael Leao (1,964 minutes).
Despite coach Stefano Pioli switching from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation mid-season, Reijnders hasn't lost his place; instead, Yacine Adli and Ismaël Bennacer may alternate, sometimes with Yunus Musah, but Reijnders continued to constantly feature in the starting lineup. Since wearing the Milan shirt, Reijnders has also earned a spot in the Dutch national team, where he has become an undisputed starter.
Saturday sees Milan-Lecce, and he, against the team he scored his first goal for the Rossoneri against, will once again start. In this end of the season, before the Euros, he is also chasing a trophy with the Devil. The Europa League will be an opportunity for him to showcase his talent on the European stage.
Going back to the numbers, we discover that Reijnders has been the most present outfield player starting with the Milan shirt: starting 26 times out of 30. He missed a game due to suspension against Napoli and one due to rotation against Atalanta.
Until February, the Dutchman had never missed a game: certainly a successful acquisition by Milan, just like Pulisic's. And next year, with a season of experience under their belts, they can only do better, as relayed via Pianeta Milan.
