Perhaps influenced by Ronald Koeman and the Netherlands, Paulo Fonseca opted to field Tijjani Reijnders in a more advanced role against Venezia. It certainly paid off, with both the No.14 and Ruben Loftus-Cheek shining.
Fans had been crying out for Reijnders in the No.10 role, having scored two goals in two games for the Netherlands, and Fonseca was left with no other choice. As a result, he also fielded Loftus-Cheek in the tandem as well.
As highlighted by MilanNews, this turned out to be a fantastic decision as both players clearly looked more comfortable. Loftus-Cheek was able to use his size and physique in the dirtiest and most physical part of the game, frustrating the Venezia players time after time.
Reijnders, meanwhile, was suddenly not forced to track back and cover areas that never were his cup of tea. Instead, he was able to use his dribbling and abilities on the ball, almost always comfortable in tight situations and combining with the attackers.
Nothing new, of course, but it was nice to see a confirmation of the idea of playing Reijnders further up and Loftus-Cheek further back. The games against Liverpool and Inter will be the true litmus tests, should Fonseca decide to continue with this midfield (and in all honesty, why wouldn’t he?).
