Raise your hand if, in January 2023, you thought Theo Hernandez could turn into what he has been for the past two years?
The answer: no one. That date wasn’t chosen at random, because for the writer, there is a pre-World Cup in Qatar Theo Hernandez and a post-World Cup in Qatar Theo Hernandez.
Objection: “There’s a pre-World Cup Milan and a post-World Cup Milan.”
Accepted.
No, this is not an accusation against the Frenchman — others are already taking care of that. This is an attempt to observe and understand a phenomenon: the sharp decline in the performance of number 19.
You can already hear it: “It’s because of Paolo Maldini’s departure.”
Far be it from me to question a statement like that, especially since it contains a kernel of truth. However, not everything can be traced back to that.
What about the World Cup final lost in that manner?
By his own admission, it was a devastating blow.
What about the off-field rumors that swirled for at least three months, poisoning the air around him?
Sure, not everything can be blamed on external causes. At the peak of one’s career, with considerable responsibilities (captain, experienced locker-room figure, top player), one must also help oneself through better behavior and attitude. And on that front, Theo Hernandez doesn’t seem to have grown — or rather, he seems to have stalled in his growth.
The cooling break incident in Rome, the penalties in Florence, and the red card against Feyenoord are just the three most glaring examples, but many small factors have played a role.
Provocations, unwise actions (like throwing a second ball onto the pitch during a Red Star match), exaggerating contact — these are no small issues at such a high level.
Perhaps the real issue that no one wants to admit is this:
Theo Hernandez has become an average full-back who makes just as much of a difference for the worse as for the better — with neither side prevailing clearly.
For those who were used to marveling at his offensive and defensive displays — especially after he had become solid at the back — it’s hard to make sense of such a decline, as relayed via MilanPress.it.
Obviously, an unstable contract situation (or, more broadly, internal dynamics) doesn’t help either. His deal expires in June 2026, and the club doesn’t seem inclined, for now, to make an offer.
So what can be done to fix this whole mess?
Out of self-respect, the first step in the right direction must come from him.
When? Starting tomorrow in Naples. How? With a performance worthy of the real Theo Hernandez. For how long? Until the end of the season.
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It’s up to him to convince himself — and convince those in charge of the club — to keep betting on him, if his desire to stay in the red and black is really that strong, eliminating any possible excuse for a failed renewal.
A helping hand could come from Sergio Conceição, who seems inclined to open up the left flank for him — clearing it of Leao’s presence (potential benching) and placing a hybrid like Joao Felix there instead.
Few may remember, but the first dominant Theo was born out of his connection with the Croatian player who tended to drift inside, freeing space for the Frenchman. That’s something the Portuguese doesn’t do as much, since his strength lies in one-on-one duels out wide.
It wasn’t a surprise, at least personally, to see the first half against Lecce a few weeks ago — one of number 19’s best — with Pulisic occupying a more central role on that side.
Could a return to the origins be the cure and method to rediscover the real Theo Hernandez? Only time can tell.
