Reijnders shows leadership qualities after Euro 2024 elimination: “We are proud”

Tijjani Reijnders took up a leadership-esque role with the Netherlands during the European Championship, and he thrived in the role. Following their elimination from the tournament, the midfielder faced the press, which only further shows how important he is to the Oranje and shows how he can be for AC Milan.

For a player who only played his first season in a top European league last season, the Dutchman has never shown to be a player who has struggled at the elite level, and the Euros were another example of this.

Ronald Koeman has previously stated the importance of the midfielder to his team, and he is expected to be a ‘pillar’ in Paulo Fonseca’s side in the upcoming season, with the Portuguese coach seeing him as the gem of a physical midfield.

Reijnders spoke to De Telegraph following the Netherlands’ elimination from the European Championship, and his words have been relayed by Milan News.

“If you think about the fact that we went to the semifinals again after 20 years, it is a positive result without a doubt, but when you play a tournament you play to win it. Obviously, we are proud of each other and proud of the fans who were everywhere. It’s a shame, though, that we lost.

“In the first half they always found a free man. The English did well and were very on the move. We couldn’t understand them. Then the coach changed the arrangement on the pitch and fortunately, we were able to control them. And so we were able to play our game more.

“We started to play with four men in midfield with Joey Veerman joining us. So they were no longer able to find the free man and this was particularly visible in the second half.”