How to Play Like Reijnders: Skills and Tactics Explained
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it takes to play like one of Europe’s most dynamic midfielders? Tijjani Reijnders has captured the attention of fans and clubs with his intelligent and energetic style of play. This Dutch professional footballer combines technical grace with tactical discipline, making him a model for aspiring players. If you want to elevate your game, understanding his skills and mindset is a great place to start. This guide breaks down how you can incorporate the key elements of Reijnders’s game into your own.
Tijjani Reijnders: Football Journey and Background
Tijjani Reijnders’s path to the top is a story of persistence. Born in Zwolle, Netherlands, the Dutch international comes from a footballing family. His father, Martin Reijnders, was a professional player, and his younger brother, Eliano, also plays professionally. This background undoubtedly shaped his love for the game from a young age.
Representing Holland on the national team is a major achievement in a career that has been steadily on the rise. Reijnders’s journey has been marked by consistent development and progress without any significant off-field controversies, allowing his on-pitch talent to do all the talking. Let’s look closer at his early career and club history.
Early Career Path and Development
Reijnders’s early career wasn’t a straight line to the top. He began in the FC Twente youth system but was released as a teenager. Rather than giving up, he joined an amateur club, CSV ’28, for a year to continue his development. This move proved crucial, as his talent soon caught the eye of his hometown club, PEC Zwolle, where he joined the U-19 team.
His determination paid off, and he made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in 2017. However, his big break came when he transferred to AZ Alkmaar. He initially played for the reserve team, Jong AZ, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the professional environment.
This period was foundational, building the resilience and technical ability that would later define him. His journey, alongside his brother Eliano Reijnders, shows that a direct path through a top academy isn’t the only way to succeed in professional football.
Club History and Recent Transfers
After establishing himself at Jong AZ, Reijnders transitioned to the AZ Alkmaar first team. His development accelerated, and after a brief loan spell at RKC Waalwijk, he became a key player for AZ. His performances, particularly in the UEFA Europa Conference League, put him on the radar of major European clubs.
In July 2023, Reijnders made a significant move to Serie A giants AC Milan. He quickly adapted to Italian football, becoming an essential part of their midfield. His success in Milan was so profound that it attracted interest from the Premier League.
In a major transfer, Reijnders signed for Manchester City in 2025, marking his arrival at one of the world’s top clubs. This move highlights his status as an elite midfielder.
| Club | Years |
|---|---|
| PEC Zwolle | 2017 |
| Jong AZ | 2017–2021 |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2018–2023 |
| RKC Waalwijk (loan) | 2020 |
| AC Milan | 2023–2025 |
| Manchester City | 2025–Present |
Understanding Reijnders’s Role and Position
Tijjani Reijnders is the definition of a modern midfielder. He primarily plays as a central midfielder (CM), but his versatility allows him to take on various roles depending on the team’s tactical needs. He is not a player who simply sits back and dictates play from deep.
Instead, he is known for his mobility and desire to push forward into the final third. This forward-thinking approach allows him to contribute directly to attacks by scoring goals or creating opportunities for his teammates. His ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch is what makes him so valuable.
Tactical Functions on the Field
On the field, Reijnders executes several crucial tactical functions that make his teams more dynamic. At AC Milan, manager Stefano Pioli immediately integrated him as a left-sided central midfielder, known as a ‘mezzala’ in Italy, within a 4-3-3 formation. This role gave him the freedom to get forward and join the attack.
He has also shown proficiency in a 4-2-3-1 formation, often playing as part of a double pivot, usually on the left side despite being right-footed. This adaptability is a huge asset. He famously chose AC Milan over Barcelona partly because the proposed tactical role at Milan better suited his desire for movement and freedom on the pitch. For teams like Manchester City, this flexibility is invaluable.
To play like Reijnders, focus on these tactical functions:
- Act as a ‘mezzala’ or box-to-box midfielder.
- Operate effectively in a double pivot.
- Provide a link between defence and attack.
- Create overloads on one side of the pitch.
Offensive and Defensive Responsibilities
A key part of Reijnders’s game is his balance between attack and defence. Offensively, his main responsibility is to drive the ball forward and create chances in the final third. He makes intelligent runs into the opposition’s penalty area, arriving at the perfect time to shoot or play a final pass.
Defensively, he is not lazy. Reijnders is active in pressing opponents when his team loses possession, helping to win the ball back high up the pitch. While not a pure holding midfielder like Rodri, his work rate ensures he contributes to the team’s defensive structure. His all-around game has drawn comparisons to players like Kevin De Bruyne for his attacking output and vision.
Your responsibilities in this role would include:
- Making forward runs to support the strikers.
- Creating scoring opportunities with key passes.
- Pressing opponents to regain possession.
- Maintaining positional discipline to protect the defence.
Key Technical Skills to Play Like Reijnders
To emulate Tijjani Reijnders, you must master a specific set of technical skills. His game is built on a foundation of excellent ball control, precise passing, and incredible vision. These attributes allow him to dictate the tempo of a match and rarely lose possession under pressure.
Beyond that, his dribbling, movement, and shooting make him a constant threat. He combines the elegance of a playmaker with the directness of an attacker. His high rating in games like EA SPORTS FC, where he was named to the Serie A Team of the Season, reflects this well-rounded skill set. Let’s break down these abilities further.
Ball Control, Passing, and Vision
Exceptional ball control is the starting point for everything Reijnders does. Your first touch must be clean, allowing you to receive the ball in tight spaces and protect it from defenders. This control forms the basis for his impressive passing ability. With an 89% pass accuracy in Serie A, he consistently finds his teammates.
His vision is what sets him apart. He scans the field constantly, identifying spaces and passing lanes before he even receives the ball. This allows him to execute defence-splitting passes that create scoring chances, a skill he has demonstrated in the UEFA Champions League.
To develop these skills, you should work on:
- Receiving the ball on the half-turn to face forward.
- Practicing one-touch and two-touch passing drills.
- Constantly scanning your surroundings to improve awareness.
- Playing long, accurate passes to switch the point of attack.
Movement, Dribbling, and Shooting
Reijnders’s off-the-ball movement is just as important as what he does with the ball. He intelligently finds pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defence, making himself available for a pass. This movement makes him incredibly difficult to mark.
When he does have the ball, his dribbling is effective and purposeful. He doesn’t rely on flashy tricks but uses his balance and quick changes of direction to get past players. This ability to carry the ball forward breaks defensive lines. His shooting is also a major weapon, capable of scoring from long range, as his goal stats prove.
To add these skills to your game, focus on:
- Making runs into the box from deep midfield positions.
- Dribbling with your head up to assess your options.
- Practicing shooting from outside the penalty area.
- Improving your weaker foot for better balance and unpredictability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the skills and tactics to play like Tijjani Reijnders requires dedication and practice. By focusing on key technical abilities such as ball control, passing, and movement, along with understanding your offensive and defensive roles on the pitch, you can elevate your game to new heights. Remember, football is not just about individual talent; it’s about teamwork and tactical awareness. Embrace the principles that define Reijnders’s playing style, and you’ll not only improve your performance but also contribute to your team’s success. If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalised coaching or a trial session!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Reijnders’s latest goal and assist statistics?
During his impressive 2024-25 last season with AC Milan, Tijjani Reijnders was highly productive. His stats show he scored 15 goals and provided multiple assists across all competitions, highlighting his significant offensive contributions from the midfield before his transfer to Manchester City.
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