Theo Hernandez was at his dominant best during the 4-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg at San Siro on Wednesday night as qualification for the Champions League last 16 was secured.
MilanNews recall that the decibel levels inside San Siro went up with with every step forward that Theo took while on one of his usual surging runs towards the opposition box, and with every metre conquered by the Frenchman the whole stadium pushed him on.
His accelerating runs can come from anywhere and that it what must be most frightening for opposing teams. He can start wide on the wing, from his full-back position running the length of the field or even from a position inside almost as part of the double pivot.
Stefano Pioli has managed to transform an explosive and instinctive talent into a footballer who is heading towards full maturity. The former Real Madrid man has managed to improve in the defensive phase, evolving at the same time in the attacking areas, making him virtually a complete box to box play.
To move inside in the possession phase is a choice that obviously not all fans like, but denying its importance is silly because by doing so Theo opens up space on the wing to allow Leao to get in isolation.
Against Salzburg he hit a post after a run like a winger, he nearly created a goal for Giroud (but he was offside) having started from a mezzala position, and he ran to the byline to provide Leao with a beautiful low ball that saw the Portuguese hit the crossbar.
Theo is the captain of Milan in Calabria’s absence and rightly so, as he is a leader by example with his effort and intensity, and he has fully embraced the Rossoneri after the renewal until 2026 last February.
