Former Milan manager Roberto Donadoni singled out Tijjani Reijnders as a potential catalyst to settle tonight’s derby against Juventus. Speaking to the press in the build-up to the game, he praised the Dutchman’s start to life at the San Siro.
Reijnders joined Milan from AZ Alkmaar during the summer as a long-term replacement for Sandro Tonali. He has immediately established himself as an indispensable first-team player under Stefano Pioli. Alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the 25-year-old has been the most significant midfield linchpin.
His rise to stardom at Milan has earned him a place in the Netherlands national team. A lack of goals remains the only blemish on Reijnder’s otherwise outstanding form in Serie A, as Donadoni backed him to be ‘decisive’ against Juventus tonight.
“Who will be decisive? I say Reijnders. In his start with Milan, he has shown that he really knows how to do everything. All he needs is a goal,” Donadoni told Gazzetta dello Sport.
With Loftus-Cheek out injured, Reijners will likely team up with Yacine Adli and Yunus Musah in the midfield trio. The three of them will battle the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie as Milan bid to extend their five-game unbeaten league run against Juventus.
After Inter’s 3-0 win over Torino, Milan must beat Bianconeri to return to the top of the standings. Pioli’s men enter Sunday’s clash severely weakened by injuries and suspensions but encouraged by a four-game winning streak.
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