Reijnders reveals preferred Milan role: ‘Mister Fonseca decides where he needs me’ | OneFootball

Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has revealed that he prefers playing the box-to-box role in the heart of the Milan midfield, but has admitted that he is willing to play as a holder, or even as a trequartista if coach Paulo Fonseca decides that is what the team needs.

Reijnders joined his coach, Fonseca, for the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League fixture between Milan and Club Brugge on Tuesday evening.

Fonseca has already confirmed his starting XI, including Reijnders as the advanced midfielder with Youssouf Fofana and Ruben Loftus-Cheek behind him.

The Dutchman will play against Brugge, but will be suspended for the Serie A trip to Bologna at the weekend after his first-half red card during the 1-0 win over Udinese on Saturday.

He stressed the importance of keeping the discipline on the pitch.

“It’s very important not to be left with 10 men like we were on Saturday. I have to be very careful, there’s always a risk when you make contact,” Reijnders said, reported via TMW.

He also explained what sort of player he hopes to become under Fonseca: “It’s very important for me to be a decisive player, making assists, scoring goals. That helps us to decide matches. We played well against Udinese, even though I was sent off.”

Reijnders reveals preferred midfield role for Milan

Reijnders then revealed which role he prefers to play within the Rossoneri midfield.

“I’m a box-to-box player, I move from one position into another. I’ve played in all the midfield roles. Number eight is my ideal role, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t play as a six or a 10, it’s not a problem for me. It’s Mister Fonsea who decides where he needs me.

“I want to become an important player in terms of goals and assists.”