Rijkaard declares Milan midfielder is becoming ‘one of the best in the world’ | OneFootball

Former Milan and Ajax star and ex-Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard believes that Rossoneri midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is ‘on the right path’ to become one of the best central midfielders in the world after his goalscoring display in the 3-1 victory away against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Reijnders has become a key player for Milan since his move from AZ Alkmaar last summer, but putting the game to bed with the third goal in a surprise 3-1 victory over the reigning Champions League holders is arguably his greatest moment in a Rossoneri shirt to date.

Rijkaard believes that the Netherlands international is only becoming stronger with time and explained which elements of Reijnders’s game he enjoys so much.

Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan is challenged by Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match against FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Rijkaard believes Milan midfielder will become world class

“I hope Reijnders becomes one of the best midfielders in the world, I truly believe he’s on the right path,” Rijkaard said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I really like his way of playing. He’s becoming more and more important for Milan as time goes by,” Rijkaard added.

“He can cover all the roles in the middle of the pitch and he’s really generous too. He never stops running for the team and always gives everything his all. With the quality he has, he is really good at creating dangerous chances for his teammates and always starts the move well.”

Reijnders joined Milan for a fee of around €20m in the summer of 2023, although La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that his value may have already tripled since then.

Reports elsewhere suggest that the 26-year-old is beginning to attract interest from the likes of Tottenahm in the Premier League and Real Madrid in LaLiga.