AZ Alkmaar coach reminisces on Reijnders ‘blossom’ in youth team: “Bravo to AC Milan” | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders has taken everything in his stride since joining AC Milan, but his youth coach has stated that this is nothing new.

It has been nearly 18 months since Reijnders left the Netherlands, but from Reijnders performances you’d think he’d been in Serie A for much longer. Without a doubt, the midfielder is one of the best in the league, and perhaps you could argue in Europe, at least currently.

Few players are blessed with the elegance of the Dutchman, and alongside Youssouf Fofana, he has found himself. Last season’s Reijnders didn’t look the full product, likely due to consistent tactical shifts, but this has not been the case this season.

Instead, he has been given continuity and in return the Diavolo have a player that writes his own name on the team sheet. Today, one of the midfielder’s coaches, Martin Haar, at youth level spoke to Milan News about his rise.

You watched Tijjani Reijnders blossom in the AZ youth team. What memories do you have?

“I remember him when he was 20 years old, he was a player who wanted to emerge, to continuously improve. He was at Jong AZ, then he was sent on loan to RKC Waalwijk and when he came back he started alternating between the first team and Jong Az. When Fredrik Midtsjo, who was the starter in midfield, was transferred to Turkey then Tijjani made the final leap, becoming a starter and playing better and better.”

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What impressed you about Reijnders?

“I have always been impressed by his mentality, he is a real worker and open to listening to every suggestion. That has led him to where he is now. The great thing is that the way you see him now was also at 20 years old. Above all, his kindness and humility, a rare commodity among footballers who are mostly arrogant.”

AC Milan took him at 25, generally a top Dutch footballer leaves the country earlier…

“Even in Holland there was some perplexity, it was said that AC Milan was too much for him. But Tijjani has shown that he knows how to settle in immediately and get to the level. That’s the great thing about him, he grows constantly, he learns right away.”

Usually a top Dutch player has already been through Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord. Reijnders was the exception and stayed at AZ until the age of 25…

“I’m surprised he left Holland so late, they all slept, from the Dutch bigs to Bayern and Borussia Dortmund. Bravo to AC Milan for seizing the moment and rest assured that despite being 26 years old already, the best is yet to come.”

This season his performances at the Rossoneri are improving by the day…

“Today Tijjani is one of Milan’s best players but I think in one, or a maximum of two years there will be a further leap, I’m sure. Real Madrid or Manchester City, that will be his level.”