GdS: ‘The untouchables’ – why midfield duo have become irreplaceable for Milan | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana are the two irreplaceable players in this AC Milan side, and the management wish to protect them.

This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport write how Reijnders and Fofana – who combined for the winner against Verona, with the latter setting up the former – are the pillars in the middle that support Paulo Fonseca’s plan.

Behind the goalkeeper Mike Maignan (1,943 minutes played), they are the two outfield players most used by the Portuguese coach who – when he had them at his disposal – did not do without them. They were even used in the Coppa Italia against Sassuolo, with eight other changes around them.

The total number of minutes they have played in the first part of 2024-25 is significant: 1,788 for Reijnders and 1,786 for Fofana. Thanks to their performance, despite being detached from the top of the table and even fourth place, Milan remain fighting on multiple fronts.

The intuition of technical director Geoffrey Moncada to focus on Reijnders last summer is proving to be a winning one, given that the value of the Dutchman who cost €20m to sign from AZ Alkmaar but is now worth at least €60m.

He has eight goals so far this season, and CEO Giorgio Furlani has practically closed the negotiations for the renewal of his contract. It hasn’t been made official but he will soon sign a deal worth €3.5m net per year plus bonuses that will help keep away the suitors.

Or at least that’s the hope, because Real Madrid were impressed by his performance at the Bernabeu and have him noted down as Luka Modric’s potential replacement. Reijnders though is happy at Milan, feels important and will soon show this by signing an extension.

Manchester United meanwhile wanted Fofana last summer but the player wanted Milan, so much so that he waited for Monaco to lower their demands (which had risen above €30m) so he could join his compatriots Maignan and Theo Hernandez.

In Ligue 1 he was already known for pushing forward, as well as making an important contribution in the non-possession phase to balance the team.

He is doing the same in Italy where he alternates his ability to recover the ball with applaud-worthy assists such as the one for Reijnders and a couple for Rafael Leao.