It has been a poor start for everyone involved at AC Milan. However, Theo Hernandez is facing much more controversy than other squad members. The Frenchman has often been Mr. Reliable, at the moment, he is everything but that.
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Perhaps, as the vice-captain Theo is more open to scrutiny than other members of the squad, or maybe it is just an expectation of previous levels. Since joining, the left-back has gone from strength to strength, but he has started this season very poorly.
Against Parma, there were questions about his level of commitment, and against Lazio, he was at the heart of controversy. During international duty, he was again below the levels he set himself, and it is fair to say this is his toughest moment.
As Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) writes, the defender had a good European Championship but has returned to the new season looking like a different player. Physically, he looks off it, and questions can be asked about his mental state, with his attitude being questioned.
Paulo Fonseca has already made the brave decision to drop him once, and following this, he was involved in a self-proclaimed innocuous controversy. However, the damage was done, even if it was not intended.
The frustration comes from the knowledge of Theo, rather than the sale of a false dream. For years, he has been consistently professional and one of Milan’s stars. After all, he is one of the best players in the world in his position, if not the best.
However, a decline has occurred, and maybe, it has occurred longer than the past month. Defensively, he was superb for France this summer, but he wasn’t at his best going forward. Now, both sides of his game are struggling, with the defensive side becoming a real issue.
Gazzetta questions whether the contractual situation could be a factor in his mental drop, and with the Frenchman being cryptic this summer about his future, maybe this is an issue which needs addressing sooner rather than later.
The club still see his renewal as important, but no steps forward have been attempted yet. They should arrive, but when they will be remains to be seen.
