Some midfielders shout with power. Others whisper with precision.
Tijjani Reijnders falls into the second category. He’s not flashy, yet his impact is undeniable. As of 2025, the Dutch midfielder controls games for AC Milan with calm authority. But to appreciate where he is now, we must look at how far he’s come.
His journey blends patience, growth, and undeniable skill. Let’s trace the path of Reijnders—from the Dutch lower leagues to the heart of the San Siro.
Early Steps in Zwolle
Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, in 1998, Tijjani was always around football. His father, Martin Reynders, was a former pro. Naturally, Tijjani followed in his footsteps.
He started with PEC Zwolle’s youth system. But unlike others, his progress was slow. Coaches saw promise, but not dominance. Still, he never lost focus.
In 2017, he joined AZ Alkmaar’s setup. It was a smart move. AZ, known for nurturing talent, gave Reijnders the right environment to develop.
Breaking Through at AZ Alkmaar
At first, Reijnders had to earn his minutes.
He played for Jong AZ, the club’s reserve side, in the Dutch second tier. The competition was tough, yet Tijjani stayed consistent. Slowly but surely, he pushed closer to the first team.
Then came 2022–23.
Under coach Pascal Jansen, Reijnders blossomed. He played over 50 matches, including key Europa Conference League fixtures. His technical control, quick passing, and positional intelligence turned heads.
Although not a goal machine, he contributed with smart build-up play. He always seemed to be in the right place. Most importantly, he made those around him better.
Scouts took notice. And soon, one of Europe’s giants came calling.
A New Chapter at AC Milan
In the summer of 2023, AC Milan signed Reijnders for around €20 million. For the Rossoneri, it was a tactical move. They needed depth and elegance in midfield. Reijnders offered both.
He didn’t waste time.
By the opening weeks of Serie A, he was already in the starting XI. Playing alongside the likes of Ismaël Bennacer and Yunus Musah, Reijnders provided balance.
While others attacked, he organized. When defenders pressed, he escaped. He became a stabilizer—a role Milan had missed since the days of Andrea Pirlo and Riccardo Montolivo.
The Dutch Core and European Dreams
Interestingly, Reijnders wasn’t the only Dutchman Milan pursued. Along with him came defenders like Malick Thiaw (German-Dutch roots) and forward Noah Okafor (Swiss but with a similar creative flair). Milan wanted technical players who fit a clear style.
Reijnders stood out.
In the Champions League, he held his own against Europe’s best. Whether facing PSG’s press or Napoli’s midfield traps, he stayed calm.
Even when the team struggled, Reijnders rarely dipped in form.
Fans appreciated his work rate. Coaches trusted him. And soon, commentators began to spotlight his intelligence on the ball.
A Quiet Leader on the Pitch
By 2025, Tijjani Reijnders is more than a squad player. He’s a core figure.
Unlike louder leaders, Tijjani leads through action. He doesn’t need the captain’s armband to influence the game.
He directs traffic with gestures. He breaks pressing lines with smart passes. And crucially, he never panics under pressure.
Despite a calm demeanor, his energy remains high. He covers ground, presses when needed, and links defense to attack with ease.
That mix—of coolness and work ethic—makes him unique.
International Recognition
Although the Netherlands boasts a deep midfield pool, Reijnders earned his senior debut in 2023. His performances at Milan helped push him into the Oranje setup.
He wasn’t always a starter, but he brought stability off the bench. At Euro 2024, he played crucial group-stage minutes and helped close out games.
By 2025, he remains in the conversation for a regular role. With Frenkie de Jong aging and others rotating, Reijnders offers fresh legs and smart decision-making.
His international future looks bright.
Style of Play: Smooth and Smart
Tijjani Reijnders isn’t about tricks or flicks.
His game revolves around timing. He plays quick one-twos. He finds spaces others ignore. And he rarely loses the ball.
Many compare him to players like Ilkay Gündoğan or Toni Kroos—not for stats, but for subtlety.
He keeps things ticking. He reads the game a step ahead. And most of all, he improves his team’s rhythm.
Though not a pure defensive midfielder, he defends with positioning. And while he’s not an attacking 10, he pushes forward when the moment’s right.
The Milan Project and His Role in It
AC Milan, as of 2025, continues rebuilding.
They aren’t dominating Serie A like in the 2000s, but they’re competitive. Young talents mix with experienced names. And in that balance, Reijnders plays a key role.
Stefano Pioli—and now his successor, depending on the season—values Reijnders’ reliability. He starts most matches, especially those that demand control.
Against top-six sides, he shields the back line. Against bottom-tier teams, he advances to orchestrate attacks.
Fans may not chant his name often, but they know his value.
Off the Pitch: Reserved but Focused
Off the field, Tijjani Reijnders remains grounded.
He avoids controversies. He doesn’t chase headlines. Instead, he trains hard, studies the game, and remains committed.
He often speaks about growth and knows he isn’t a finished product. He watches tape, works on weaknesses, and studies elite midfielders.
This humility sets him apart. While many players lose focus, Reijnders sharpens his tools.
What Comes Next?
As 2025 unfolds, the question looms—what’s next for Reijnders?
Some believe he’s ready for a move to England or Spain. Others argue he should stay and help Milan return to glory.
Whatever happens, one thing is clear: he belongs at the top level.
Clubs chasing balance, intelligence, and leadership will always want a player like him.
But for now, Milan fans can enjoy watching him weave order into chaos.
Final Whistle: An Underrated Maestro
Tijjani Reijnders may not grab headlines like Kylian Mbappé or Jude Bellingham. But he belongs on the same stage.
He plays for the team. He plays with poise. And he plays with purpose.
From the streets of Zwolle to the San Siro, his journey proves that smart football still matters.
So next time you watch Milan play, keep your eyes on number 14. You might not hear his name over the crowd—but you’ll feel his presence in every pass, turn, and tackle.
He’s the silent architect. And in 2025, he’s still building.
SC Toronto U21 Womens Team – Indoor 2019-2020
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