The performance of Milan at the start of this season has been decidedly disappointing, far from what a team like the Rossoneri should deliver.
Yet, despite this, there are players who have managed to excel, carrying the team forward not only in the league, highlighted by the decisive and winning partnership in Verona, but also in the Champions League. Indeed, if Milan is still in the running for some of its seasonal objectives today, particularly for fourth place in Serie A, it is largely thanks to them: Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana.
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders
In a recent interview, Milan’s sporting director Moncada expressed surprise at why no one had ever believed in Tijjani Reijnders. A player with an impressive tactical intelligence and a quality that could rival the best in the world.
Paulo Fonseca could do without anyone but not the Dutchman, who has accumulated 1,788 minutes so far this season—around 200 less than Maignan, who, however, is the team’s goalkeeper.
The upgrade since his arrival at Milan is evident to everyone, even to the top clubs in the world, such as Real Madrid. Reports suggest that Los Blancos have begun exploring the possibility of signing Reijnders for the next season, as they plan a midfield overhaul. However, as reported this morning by La Gazzetta dello Sport, neither Milan nor their fans have any intention of losing the Dutchman, who is close to signing a significant contract renewal with the Rossoneri.
The former AZ Alkmaar star, whose market value has tripled compared to last season, is expected to extend his contract with Milan until 2029, with a salary of €3.5 million per season—an important figure to ensure he stays.
Milan's Youssouf Fofana
If Tijjani Reijnders was the best signing of last season, Youssouf Fofana has been this season’s standout acquisition. To wear the Rossoneri shirt, the French midfielder turned down offers from clubs like Manchester United—a decision that has proven right for both him and Milan.
With Milan, the former Monaco player is demonstrating the qualities he had already shown in Ligue 1, where he would frequently push forward while also providing crucial balance during defensive transitions.
Fofana has successfully brought his “dirty work” to Italy, alternating between ball recoveries and brilliant assists, such as the decisive one to Reijnders in Verona or those to Leão in both the Champions League and Serie A.
In essence, the midfielder at times evokes memories of Marcel Desailly, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport, for his ability to be decisive in every area of the pitch. So much so that it’s clear Milan cannot do without the Frenchman, or Reijnders, for that matter.
