Before Theo Hernandez became a household name at AC Milan, captivating fans with his blistering pace and incisive attacking runs, he was just a promising young talent trying to make his mark in the world of football. Understanding Theo's journey before he donned the famous red and black stripes of Milan helps us appreciate the player he is today. This article delves into the formative years of Itheo Hernandez, tracing his development from his early days to his eventual breakthrough. It's a story of potential recognized, nurtured, and ultimately unleashed on the grand stage of Serie A. From his youth career, through loan spells, to his eventual move to Real Madrid and then finally finding his feet in Italy, we'll cover all the major milestones that shaped him.

Early Career and Atletico Madrid

Theo Hernandez's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid, the same club where his older brother, Lucas Hernandez, also honed his skills. Born in Marseille, France, Theo moved to Spain at a young age, immersing himself in the Spanish footballing culture. Joining Atletico's academy, he quickly distinguished himself as a dynamic left-back with a penchant for attacking. His energy, speed, and technical ability were evident from a young age, marking him as a player to watch. Within the Atletico youth system, he progressed steadily, climbing through the various age groups and consistently impressing coaches with his commitment and natural talent. While his brother Lucas broke into the first team and began to establish himself, Itheo Hernandez was still waiting for his chance to shine at the senior level for Atletico. Competition was fierce, and opportunities were limited, leading him to seek opportunities elsewhere to gain valuable first-team experience. The foundation laid at Atletico Madrid, however, was crucial. He received top-notch coaching, learned the tactical nuances of the game, and developed the mental toughness required to succeed in professional football. He learned the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance – qualities that would serve him well throughout his career. Even though he didn't make a significant impact on Atletico Madrid's first team, his formative years there played a crucial role in shaping his future success.

Loan Spell at Alaves

To gain crucial first-team experience, Itheo Hernandez was sent on loan to Alaves for the 2016-2017 season. This move proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, providing him with the platform to showcase his talent in La Liga. At Alaves, Theo quickly established himself as a key player, featuring regularly in the starting lineup. He impressed with his energetic performances, marauding runs down the left flank, and his willingness to contribute both defensively and offensively. Playing week in and week out against some of the best teams in Spain, he gained invaluable experience and developed his game considerably. He was not afraid to take on defenders, unleash powerful shots, and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. His performances for Alaves caught the attention of scouts from across Europe, with many impressed by his raw talent and potential. He also demonstrated his versatility, showing that he could adapt to different tactical systems and play effectively in various roles. More than just showcasing his skills, the loan spell at Alaves was about gaining experience. It was about learning to handle the pressure of playing in a top league, adapting to different playing styles, and understanding the tactical intricacies of the game. Itheo Hernandez matured both as a player and as a person during his time at Alaves, setting the stage for his next move.

Real Madrid and Limited Opportunities

Following his impressive loan spell at Alaves, Itheo Hernandez secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. Joining the ranks of one of the biggest clubs in the world was a dream come true for the young left-back. However, the move to Real Madrid also presented significant challenges. Competition for places was intense, with established stars like Marcelo ahead of him in the pecking order. Opportunities to play regularly were limited, and Theo found himself spending a lot of time on the bench. Despite the lack of playing time, he remained determined to prove himself and make the most of every opportunity he got. Training alongside some of the best players in the world, he continued to learn and develop his game. He showed glimpses of his potential when he did get a chance to play, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter. The pressure of playing for Real Madrid, coupled with the limited playing time, took its toll. He found it difficult to showcase his true ability and struggled to adapt to the demanding environment. While the move to Real Madrid didn't quite pan out as he would have hoped, it was still a valuable learning experience. He learned what it takes to compete at the highest level, and he gained invaluable experience training alongside some of the best players in the world. It also taught him the importance of patience, perseverance, and mental toughness – qualities that would serve him well in the future.

Loan to Real Sociedad

Seeking more regular playing time, Itheo Hernandez was once again sent out on loan, this time to Real Sociedad for the 2018-2019 season. This move was seen as an opportunity for him to revitalize his career and showcase his talent on a consistent basis. At Real Sociedad, he became a regular starter, featuring prominently in the team's lineup. He impressed with his energetic performances, attacking prowess, and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He showed that he had the potential to be a top-class left-back, but he still needed to refine his game and develop his consistency. While his performances at Real Sociedad were an improvement on his time at Real Madrid, they were not enough to convince the Madrid hierarchy that he was ready to be a regular starter. He still had some way to go before he could reach his full potential. However, the loan spell at Real Sociedad did help him regain his confidence and rediscover his love for the game. He proved that he could perform consistently at a high level, and he showed that he had the potential to be a valuable asset to any team. It was a stepping stone towards his eventual move to AC Milan, where he would finally establish himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.

The Move to AC Milan and a New Beginning

The summer of 2019 marked a turning point in Itheo Hernandez's career as he secured a permanent move to AC Milan. This move proved to be the catalyst that unlocked his full potential and transformed him into the world-class player he is today. At AC Milan, Theo quickly established himself as a key player, becoming an integral part of the team's defense and attack. He was given the freedom to express himself on the pitch, and he flourished under the guidance of coach Stefano Pioli. His blistering pace, powerful runs, and ability to score spectacular goals quickly made him a fan favorite at the San Siro. He formed a strong partnership with the other players in the team, and he played a key role in Milan's resurgence as a force in Italian and European football. Itheo Hernandez also improved his defensive game significantly, becoming a more complete and well-rounded player. He learned to read the game better, anticipate danger, and make crucial tackles and interceptions. It was clear that he had found a club where he felt valued and appreciated, and he was determined to repay their faith in him with his performances on the pitch. The move to AC Milan was not just a change of scenery; it was a new beginning for Theo Hernandez. It was an opportunity for him to prove himself, to fulfill his potential, and to become the player he always knew he could be.

In conclusion, Itheo Hernandez's journey before AC Milan was a winding road filled with challenges and opportunities. From his early days at Atletico Madrid to his loan spells at Alaves and Real Sociedad, he gained invaluable experience and developed his game. While his time at Real Madrid didn't quite pan out as he would have hoped, it taught him valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. It was his move to AC Milan that finally unlocked his full potential, transforming him into one of the best left-backs in the world. His story is a testament to the importance of patience, hard work, and finding the right environment to thrive. He has become an inspiration to young players everywhere, proving that with dedication and belief in yourself, anything is possible.