Van der Meyde: Reijnders can do ‘everything’, Koopmeiners must ‘adapt’ | OneFootball

Andy van der Meyde played for Inter but will be eager to see his two compatriots Tijjani Reijnders and Teun Koopmeiners face each other at the San Siro on Saturday, as he believes the Milan and Juventus stars are among the ‘best midfielders in the world’.

The former Everton winger is particularly impressed with Reijnders’ ‘transformation’, as he finds that the move to Serie A ‘completed’ the former AZ Alkmaar midfielder, widening his set of skills and making him an irreplaceable player for coach Paulo Fonseca.

MONZA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Monza and AC Milan at U-Power Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Van der Meyde: I’ve never seen Reijnders ‘this strong’, Koopmeiners’ value ‘indisputable’

“Before he moved from AZ Alkmaar to Milan, I don’t think anyone could have imagined such a transformation,” Van der Meyde told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview.

“His experience in Serie A has definitely completed him, and now he knows how to do everything.

“On the field, he’s everywhere: he defends, recovers the ball, builds play, but he also has the stamina to get into scoring positions and finish. I’m his friend, and I’m happy for him—I’d never seen him this strong.”

Tijjani Reijnders of AC Milan is challenged by Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match against FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 22, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On the other hand, Koopmeiners had a slow start to his Juventus career, as he still has to score his first goal for the Bianconeri after making himself a name as one of the most prolific Serie A midfielders at Atalanta, with whom he bagged 26 Serie A nets throughout three seasons.

However, Van der Meyde believes it’s just a matter of time before he starts thriving in the Bianconeri shirt, as he doesn’t think he’s feeling any pressure for the €51m price tag which made him Juventus’ most expensive signing in the last transfer window.

“I don’t think so. His value is indisputable. He just needs to adapt to the new environment,” the ex-Inter player added.

“When he left the Netherlands, he was still a young player, but now he’s a man and a very strong footballer. It’s thanks to Gasperini, who really brought out his qualities at Atalanta.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus is put under pressure by Ivan Ilic of Torino as he uses him jumps for the ball with during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Juventus Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“Compared to Reijnders, he’s less inclined to cover ground. Let’s say Koop is more of a number 10, while Tijjani is a mix of a 4, an 8, and a 10. But with Teun, there are no doubts.”

Asked whether the Milan star and Koopmeiners can play together for the Netherlands, Van der Meyde showed little doubt: “That’s a question for the Dutch national team coach, not for me,” he said.

“I’d always want to see strong players on the pitch. And they are among the best midfielders in the world.”