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Tijjani Reijnders faced harsh criticism from Dutch media after being deemed ineffective in the Netherlands’ draw against Japan.

SUPERBALL.ID - Dutch footballer of Indonesian descent, Tijjani Reijnders, has become the target of fierce scrutiny from the Dutch press following the Netherlands’ disappointing 2–2 draw with Japan in the Group F stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side produced an underwhelming performance in their opening group match at the 2026 World Cup, with Reijnders singled out for his lack of impact.

The Netherlands met Japan on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington. The first half ended goalless with both teams unable to break the deadlock.

Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead in the 51st minute, but Keito Nakamura equalised six minutes later.

Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead in the 64th minute, seemingly setting them on course for victory, but their hopes were dashed.

With just one minute remaining in regular time, Daichi Kamada struck for Japan to level the score at 2–2.

The draw left the Netherlands sitting third in Group F behind Japan (2nd) and Sweden, who currently lead the table.

Following the match, Reijnders became the focus of sharp criticism, with Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur questioning his overall contribution.

The midfielder of Indonesian heritage was accused of failing to make any meaningful impact on the team’s performance.

Reijnders, the older brother of Eliano Reijnders, was said to have been visible only during set pieces such as corners and free kicks, otherwise fading out of the match.

“Reijnders was mostly involved only during corner kicks and free kicks.”

“This reflects a performance with little to no real contribution,” wrote Voetbal Primeur.

The Dutch publication even suggested that Justin Kluivert, son of former striker Patrick Kluivert, could soon replace Reijnders in the starting XI.

This, of course, depends on Justin’s performances during the 2026 World Cup.

“If Justin Kluivert starts showing good form during training sessions in Kansas City, Reijnders’ starting spot will likely be in jeopardy,” the outlet added.

Former Ajax Amsterdam player Ronald De Boer gave Reijnders a rating of 4.5, deeming him largely ineffective throughout the match.

“You barely noticed him,” said Ronald De Boer.

“It’s tough to play against a team as cohesive as Japan in the first half, you know.”

“I think Reijnders played just average,” he added.

De Boer further pointed out Ronald Koeman’s selection mistakes, arguing that, apart from Reijnders, the Netherlands should not have started Memphis Depay.

Depay was considered unsuitable for Koeman’s counter-attacking style against Japan.

Koeman’s decision to substitute Cody Gakpo was also criticised, as the Liverpool forward’s pace would have been vital for dangerous counter-attacks.

“He brought on Memphis Depay, but if you want to play on the counter, you shouldn’t bring in Memphis.”

“You should play Brian Brobbey. I wouldn’t have taken Gakpo off either — you need speed up front,” De Boer concluded.