Who is former Real Madrid defender Theo Hernandez, AC Milan’s new left-back, personally chosen by Paolo Maldini.
Theo Hernandez is the first confirmed signing of the summer for the Rossoneri. AC Milan have paid €20 million for the former Real Madrid full-back. The young French player was born in 1997 and will turn 22 in October, he joins AC Milan after spending last season in La Liga at Real Sociedad. A physically impressive left-back, Hernandez is 1.84 cm tall and weighs 81 kg. He spent one year away from parent club Real Madrid on loan at the Basque side. In total, Hernandez made 24 league appearances with one goal and two assists.
He made a further four appearances in the Copa del Rey. Hernandez developed in the Atletico Madrid youth system but never played for the Colchoneros’ first team. His top-flight debut in Spain came at the age of 18 for Alaves when he started on 28 August 2016 in a goalless draw against Sporting Gijon. In his first senior season, he made 32 appearances and scored his first goal on matchday 36 against Athletic Bilbao. His performances caught the attention of Real Madrid who signed him from their local rivals paying €24 million for the exuberant left-back.
During his time with the Los Blancos, Hernandez made 23 appearances in the 2017/18 season. He also made his Champions League debut on 1/11/2017 at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur. The following season, he went on loan to Real Sociedad as already mentioned. Left-footed and an extremely accurate crosser, Hernandez comes in with a fine pedigree.
Theo is an attacking-minded left-back who loves to cover the entire flank and he’s always been distinguished by his excellent physical strength. One stat in particular demonstrates his ability going forward. Only Cote (46) made more successful dribbles than Theo Hernandez (42) out of all the defenders in the 2018/19 La Liga season. In the last three La Liga campaigns he has completed 129 dribbles more than any other defender in Spain.Not even 22 yet, Theo Hernandez is also the youngest defender to have made at least 50 La Liga appearances, breaking the record in the 2016/17 season.
#TheoHernandez completed 129 dribbles in the last three La Liga campaigns, more than any other defender in Spain. Great stats from #ACMilan new LB 🔴🔴 https://t.co/VDwGoZy6Tl
— AC Milan Info (@ACMilanInfo3) July 6, 2019
Theo is gifted with great technique, however, he has a bad reputation as a hothead. Images of his 20-th birthday caused a lot of controversy in Spain but with two cold generals like Maldini and Boban in charge it’s guaranteed that Hernandez will spend more time thinking about the pitch.
