Khalid Boulahrouz, former Netherlands defender, spoke exclusively to 'gianlucadimarzio.com' about Tijjani Reijnders and Teun Koopmeiners, the Dutch midfielders of Milan and Juventus, respectively, with whom he worked in the Netherlands at AZ Alkmaar. Here are his statements:
"I must say that both had immense talent, quality players. They played in different positions. Teun Koopmeiners was more of a player who controlled the game, a true number six who played in a deeper position. His job was to provide balance to the team. With his vision, he could see danger before eliminating it. Tijjani Reijnders, on the other hand, was a number eight who liked to attack. He loved having the ball at his feet, dribbling, creating goal-scoring chances, and scoring himself. He had a fantastic shot."
Boulahrouz then continued speaking about the Milan player...
"Reijnders is not a surprise. Having seen him in training, I can say this guy is incredible. He trains with the same intensity he brings to matches and vice versa. He has a fantastic mentality and is so humble—maybe even too much at times. He’s truly a great person."
Why did Reijnders stay in the Netherlands until 2023? Here’s how Boulahrouz explained it:
"Never underestimate the role of luck in football when it comes to competition in your position. He was at AZ before going out on loan because he was blocked by Midtsjø. Then he returned...".
And regarding his contract extension until 2030, despite the risk of missing out on the Champions League with Milan next season, he added:
"Smart choice. Why should he leave if he feels at home at Milan and is appreciated by the club, the coach, and his teammates? Besides, in Milan, he’s an undisputed starter... I don’t see why he should leave after just two years."
Boulahrouz spoke further about Reijnders at Milan.
"If he keeps playing at this level for another year or two, he can always decide to move on. Let’s be honest, even if Milan is struggling in the league and at risk of missing out on the Champions League, it remains a fantastic club. Being part of such a historic club is a dream for any footballer. I’m not saying he doesn’t have the right profile for the Premier League because he has always made a difference in big matches with the Dutch national team. But if you’re happy at your club and feel comfortable in the league, why leave? He’s still young, and in a few years, if he wants to, he can always move on if he becomes a top player. There’s time."
Finally, he spoke about Milan’s following in the Netherlands...
"I’m aware that the Rossoneri are struggling, but here in the Netherlands, thanks to the Dutch players who have played there, it’s a very beloved club. Perhaps the most loved outside the Netherlands, alongside Barcelona, which also has a strong ‘Dutch connection.’ But Milan, with Rijkaard, Van Basten, Gullit, and later Seedorf, Van Bommel, De Jong... has an extraordinary Dutch tradition. Despite the current crisis, the club is still highly regarded here."
