Two footballers arguing in a football stadium with a retractable roof.
Kimmich and Rodri on Bernabéu | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
FIRST TEAM

Neither Rodri nor Kimmich: Midfielder Passed the Test at Bernabéu and Madrid Likes Him

This is about Tijjani Reijnders, a player from AC Milan who is dazzling in Europe and whose name is being considered in Valdebebas

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid remains alert to the market in search of quality midfielders. In their latest Champions League game, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan made a mark at Santiago Bernabéu with a spectacular performance.

Reijnders, 25 years old, was key in his team's draw against the Whites. His most impressive stat: a 98% pass accuracy. The Dutchman completed 51 out of 52 passes, the highest figure recorded against Madrid in the Champions League since 2015.

Only Blaise Matuidi, in that year, achieved something similar. The Milan midfielder was unstoppable, even against the pressure from figures like Tchouaméni, Modric, and Valverde.

An AC Milan football player in action during a match.
Reijnders with AC Milan | AC Milan

Total dominance of the midfield

Milan set up a scheme that benefited Reijnders. With Fofana covering the defensive zone, the Dutchman had the freedom to move and showcase his best version.

Besides the stunning goal he scored, he was the most influential player in the final third of the field. He completed 13 key passes, a figure that stood out against a Real Madrid that couldn't stop him.

Although his goal-scoring ability is not yet outstanding, Reijnders is evolving. In the 2023-24 season, he has already scored ten goals, surpassing by six the record of the previous season.

In the Netherlands national team, Koeman has tested the midfielder as a second striker and even as a false nine. However, his lack of goals worked against him in some important matches.

Football players in a match, one of them in an orange uniform and the other in a dark uniform, in a stadium with the goal in the background.
Reijnders with the Netherlands | Real Madrid Confidencial

A target for Madrid?

Real Madrid was impressed with Reijnders's performance at Bernabéu. His vision, control, and precision position him as a profile that would fit into the white project.

Although names like Rodri or Kimmich have been mentioned as options for the midfield, Reijnders could be an interesting and more accessible alternative.

Since his arrival at Milan in 2023, the Dutchman has established himself as a key piece. His versatility, technical quality, and tactical maturity have made him one of the most complete midfielders in Europe.

Will Real Madrid take the initiative to sign him? His performance at Bernabéu has already put him on the radar.

➡️ First Team

More posts: