Theo Hernandez started a game at centre-back for the first time as an AC Milan player during the win over Frosinone, and there is some interesting background regarding the decision.
Il Corriere dello Sport (via PianetaMilan) recalls how Theo produced a more than convincing performance from his new role to the extent that it might be repeated again if Simon Kjær does not recover in time for the trip to Atalanta.
Against Eusebio Di Francesco’s team he was among the best players on the field, but against Atalanta it would be a more demanding challenge for him given how much attacking talent they have. His positioning, awareness and anticipation would be tested.
The initial idea came to coach Stefano Pioli from the player himself, on the eve of Milan-Frosinone. The coach had planned to use Jan-Carlo Simic as a starter alongside Fikayo Tomori, but Theo asked Pioli to trust him as a left-footed central defender in the back four.
He got the green light from the coach, who has enormous respect and trust in him given he is one of the team’s leaders. Hernández repaid this trust with a very solid performance while showing an acceptance of the responsibility he has in a difficult moment, something that wasn’t lost on the coach and his team-mates.
