Interview I Journalist Francesco Aliperta: “Tijjani Rejinders has the qualities to become a world champion” | OneFootball

Prior to the start of the season, Milan was one of the clubs that was facing a lot of skepticism fresh off their horrific title defence last season where they finished fourth place, as the club parted ways with club legend and sporting director Paolo Maldini and offloaded star-midfielder Sandro Tonali for a hefty €70m to Premier League outfits Newcastle United.

Despite a lot of criticism revolving around the vision and the identity of the club, the Rossonerri were quite creative and sharp within the market, bringing in a handful of signings to strengthen the midfield and to deepen the depth within the front-line such as Yunus Musah, Samuel Chukwueze, Noah Okafor, Tijjani Reijnders, Christian Pulisic, Luka Romero, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek just to name a few.

Within the first match-week, Pioli’s rejuvenated side overcame Bologna in a 2-0 victory away of home in a convincing fashion, as Olivier Giroud found the back of the net followed by a brilliant delivery from Reijnders and played the role of provider to set up Pulisic as the American international buried a screamer from long-range with exquisite technique.

With the Milanese club having underwent significant changes throughout this year’s summer transfer window, the Get Italian Football News team had Pianeta Milan journalist Francesco Aliperta provide his insight on the Rossonerri’s squad.

Aliperta was first asked to provide his thoughts following Milan’s first impression within their 2-0 victory at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara Stadium against the Rossoblu:

“There are excellent impressions, especially in the offensive department. Pulisic, if he stays at this level, he will be able to give a lot to the team. There are, however, some sore points in defence. Thiaw and Tomori made some mistakes that could cost them dearly. Theo Hernandez did very well on offence but less well on defense. Calabria has yet to find a good condition. Compared to last season there seems to be more quality.”

In addition, Aliperta was then questioned about his thoughts of Milan’s transfer window as a whole and which new signing people should keep an eye on throughout the campaign:

“In my opinion, the new executives have moved well within the market. They have signed players in full agreement with the coach. As a fan I am very sorry for the sale of Tonali, but as a journalist I was very curious. Then the atmosphere that was created after Maldini’s farewell should not be underestimated as it was a factor that could cause panic, but Furlani and Moncada worked excellently. On the newcomers I tell you Reijnders, he has the qualities to become a world champion.”

Finally, Aliperta gave his input on which additional striker could possibly join Pioli’s side in order to reinforce the front-line:

“There are many names on the table: from Azmoun to Broja, up to Jovic or the permanence of Colombo. Milan has done much, much more than the other Serie A teams so far. Now we will work on opportunities, one of these could be Romelu Lukaku. The negotiation with Juventus seems to have faded, a return to Inter doesn’t seem to be possible and Saudi Arabia remains on the sidelines. If the situation doesn’t unblock itself in the last few days, I think Milan will make an attempt.”

Julian Faustini Ι GIFN