Whether Theo Hernandez is the best left-back in the world is debatable, but there’s no argument that he’s one of the best defenders in the history of Milan. The French star entered the club’s folklore on Friday night with a thunderous strike in a 3-0 demolition of Lecce, becoming the joint-highest scorer among Rossoneri defenders.
Hernandez is one goal away from shattering Paolo Maldini’s record of 29 Serie A goals after scoring his second of the season last night. While Maldini spent his entire career at Stadio San Siro, the 26-year-old needed only five years to reach this flattering milestone as the numbers keep piling up for the former Real Madrid star.
Maldini recognized Hernandez’s talent as he pushed for his arrival in 2019. Milan splashed out €22.8 million to sign the Frenchman in one of the best deals in the club’s recent history. Theo has repaid Maldini’s trust by becoming the Rossoneri symbol and helping the club ascend to the Serie A throne in 2022/23.
His efficacy in front of goal in that period has been off the charts. He has bagged at least four goals in all four previous league campaigns at Milan, a feat he’ll likely achieve this term after already tallying two in the first six rounds. Last night, he netted another masterpiece, picking up Rafael Leao’s inviting pass before finishing with aplomb from a tight angle.
Milan will likely need their talismanic defender at his best when they take on defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster Champions League fixture next week.
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