AC Milan will face Liverpool in the first round of the Champions League group stage this evening, finally back in the competition after seven long years. Having started the season so well, the Rossoneri have a good chance tonight.
Several players will be key for Stefano Pioli’s side and you can read more about the key battles we have identified for the clash here. Theo Hernandez will be very important for Milan, in both phases of the game.
He’s mostly known for his attacking abilities but his pace will also come in handy at the back tonight, facing Mohamed Salah. It will be a tough task for him as he will have to balance his runs forward with defending.
If we take a look at his attacking abilities, Liverpool certainly have reason to be worried about him. As highlighted by WhoScored, in the top five leagues, Hernandez is the third-best left-back when it comes to goals and assists combined (13).
⚽️ Most goals and assists combined by left-backs in Europe's top 5 leagues since the start of the 2020/21 season
🥇 Robin Gosens – 17
🥈 Raphael Guerreiro – 16
🥉 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇 – 𝟭𝟯⚠️ You've been warned, Liverpool…
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) September 15, 2021
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