Tijjani Reijnders: Who He Is and Why He Matters
If you follow Dutch football, the name Tijjani Reijnders will pop up often. He’s a hard‑working midfielder who broke through at FC Groningen before earning a move to AZ Alkmaar and a loan spell at Bayern Munich. Fans love his energy, ball‑winning ability and the knack for making smart runs into the box.
Early Years and Rise at Groningen
Born in 1999 in Nijkerk, Reijnders grew up playing for local clubs before joining Groningen’s youth set‑up. He made his senior debut in 2017 and quickly became a regular. In his first full season he logged over 2,700 minutes, helped the team finish mid‑table and showed a maturity beyond his age.
What set him apart was his work rate. He covered a lot of ground – often topping the distance stats – and wasn’t afraid to get into tackles. That tenacity earned him a place in the Netherlands U‑21 side, where he added a few goals and several assists.
Move to AZ and the Bayern Loan
In the summer of 2021 AZ Alkmaar paid a reported €5 million for Reijnders. The step up to a club regularly challenging for Champions League spots forced him to improve his decision‑making and technical skills. At AZ he became a versatile option, able to play as a traditional central midfielder or drop into a deeper defensive role.
His performances caught the eye of Bayern Munich, and in early 2023 he secured a loan move to the German giants. Though he didn’t become a starter, training alongside world‑class players sharpened his tactical awareness. He made a handful of Bundesliga appearances and featured in a couple of cup games, picking up valuable experience.
Back at AZ for the 2023‑24 season, Reijnders returned as a more rounded player. He contributed 5 goals and 7 assists across all competitions, helping AZ finish in the top three and earn a Europa League spot.
So, what should fans keep an eye on? Reijnders thrives when given freedom to move forward, so any tactical shift that lets him join the attack will likely boost his numbers. He’s also become a set‑piece taker for AZ, meaning more chances to score from free kicks.
Off the pitch, Reijnders is known for his disciplined training routine and community work in his hometown. He frequently runs youth clinics, sharing tips on positioning and work ethic – a clear sign he cares about giving back.
In short, Tijjani Reijnders is more than a solid midfielder; he’s a player on a clear upward trajectory. Whether you’re tracking his next match for AZ, hoping he breaks into the senior Dutch squad, or just curious about a rising talent, keep an eye on his weekly performances. His blend of stamina, intelligence and occasional goal‑scoring makes him a valuable asset for any team.
