Tijjani Reijnders has received rave reviews for his performance in the Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Romania in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash.
The AC Milan midfielder was a reported target for Manchester United as recently as February — per Football365 — but anyone looking to tempt him away from the San Siro this summer may have to stump up some extra cash after his impressive showings at the Euros so far.
Reijnders would clearly improve United if a deal was to materialise this summer. He would be an upgrade on Christian Eriksen, who was used in a deep-lying role for much of last season, despite being better further forward — as witnessed at the Euros where he was the tournament’s top chance creator by the end of the round of 16.
Reijnders’ latest outing saw him control the midfield as the Netherlands comfortably dispatched Romania to book their place in the quarter-finals.
The 25-year-old completed more passes (69) than any other player on the pitch, while also attempting three shots, playing six passes into the final third and winning four of his six ground duels. Defensively, Reijnders made two tackles, two clearances and one recovery.
Pundits hail Reijnders showing vs Romania
Reijnders’ performance against Romania in Munich didn’t go unnoticed by ex-players and pundits, who lavished praise upon the Milan midfielder — even comparing him to Real Madrid and Germany legend Toni Kroos.
“I thought Cody Gakpo was excellent but I think Tijjani Reijnders just controlled the game,” former Wales defender Ashley Williams told BBC One, adding: “Very Toni Kroos-like. He just controlled the ball and turned up the tempo when he wanted to.”
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said Radio 5 Live: “Tijjani Reijnders controls the speed of possession. Teams like the Netherlands can control the ball against teams like Romania. To have someone like that is priceless when you play against teams with a low block.”
Ex-Liverpool and England playmaker Danny Murphy, meanwhile, was on BBC commentary duty on Tuesday and said following a burst through midfield: “Reijnders is a nice footballer. Intelligent. He is playing a bit deeper today.
“I saw him play a bit higher in the group stage and he has that ability to do both.
“Incredible run from him.”
The Netherlands await the winner of Austria vs Turkey in their quarter-final, which will be played in Berlin on Saturday.