Before Theo Hernandez became a household name with AC Milan, dazzling fans with his blistering pace and incisive attacking runs, he was a promising young talent carving his path through the ranks of European football. His journey, marked by stints at Atletico Madrid, Alaves, and Real Madrid, showcases the development of a player who would eventually become one of the world's best left-backs. Let's take a closer look at Theo Hernandez before the Milan glory.

Early Days at Atletico Madrid

Theo's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid, the club where his brother, Lucas Hernandez, also made his name. Born in Marseille, France, Theo joined Atletico's academy in 2007, honing his skills and learning the fundamentals of the game. Even in his early teens, his raw talent was evident. He possessed a remarkable blend of pace, power, and technical ability, making him a standout performer in the youth teams. However, breaking into the first team at Atletico Madrid proved to be a challenge. Diego Simeone, known for his tactical rigidity and preference for experienced players, didn't immediately see a clear path for Theo in his squad. While Lucas managed to establish himself in the first team, Theo found his opportunities limited, facing fierce competition from established players. Despite the lack of first-team action, his time at Atletico Madrid was crucial for his development. He learned the importance of discipline, work ethic, and tactical awareness, all of which are ingrained in Atletico's philosophy. He trained alongside top professionals, absorbing their knowledge and experience, and gradually matured as a player. This foundation would prove invaluable as he embarked on the next chapter of his career. While he didn't get the chance to shine in the famous red and white stripes, his formative years at Atletico Madrid laid the groundwork for his future success. He was building the physical and mental attributes that would define his game later on. It was a period of intense learning and growth, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead. The Atletico Madrid academy instilled in him a sense of professionalism and dedication that would serve him well throughout his career.

Loan Spell at Alaves: A Breakthrough Season

In the summer of 2016, Theo Hernandez secured a loan move to Alaves, a modest club in the Spanish top flight. This move proved to be a turning point in his career, providing him with the platform to showcase his talent on a consistent basis. At Alaves, Theo quickly established himself as a key player, featuring regularly in the starting lineup. Playing as a left-back, he impressed with his energetic performances, combining defensive solidity with attacking flair. He was given the freedom to express himself, and he seized the opportunity with both hands. His pace and power were a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he demonstrated an impressive ability to deliver dangerous crosses into the box. He also contributed with his tackling and interceptions, proving that he was more than just an attacking full-back. One of the highlights of his season at Alaves was his stunning free-kick goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey. The goal showcased his technical ability and confidence, further cementing his reputation as a player to watch. He played a pivotal role in Alaves's impressive run to the Copa del Rey final, where they faced Barcelona. Although Alaves ultimately lost the final, Theo's performance was widely praised, and he further enhanced his reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in Spain. His performances for Alaves did not go unnoticed, attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Real Madrid, in particular, were impressed by his athleticism, attacking prowess, and defensive capabilities. The loan spell at Alaves was instrumental in his development, providing him with valuable experience and exposure. He proved that he had the potential to play at the highest level, and he returned to Atletico Madrid a much more confident and accomplished player. It was during this period that he truly began to blossom, transforming from a promising youth player into a sought-after talent. Alaves provided him with the perfect environment to grow and develop, and he repaid their faith with a string of impressive performances.

Real Madrid: A Difficult Transition

Following his impressive loan spell at Alaves, Theo Hernandez made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. Joining the reigning European champions was a dream come true for the young defender, but it also presented a significant challenge. At Real Madrid, Theo found himself competing for a place in the team with Marcelo, one of the best left-backs in the world. Marcelo's experience and established status made it difficult for Theo to break into the starting lineup on a regular basis. Despite his talent and potential, Theo struggled to adapt to the demands of playing for such a prestigious club. The pressure to perform was immense, and he found it difficult to replicate the form he had shown at Alaves. He made a handful of appearances for Real Madrid, but he failed to make a lasting impression. He showed glimpses of his potential, but he lacked the consistency and experience to truly challenge Marcelo for a starting spot. The competition for places at Real Madrid was fierce, and Theo found it difficult to stand out in such a star-studded squad. He also faced criticism for his defensive positioning and decision-making, areas where he needed to improve to meet the high standards of the club. Despite the challenges, his time at Real Madrid was not without its benefits. He trained alongside some of the best players in the world, learning from their experience and professionalism. He also gained valuable experience playing in the Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football. However, after one season at Real Madrid, it became clear that Theo needed to move elsewhere to get regular playing time and continue his development. He had the potential to be a top player, but he needed to be in an environment where he could play consistently and gain confidence. The move to Real Madrid came perhaps too soon in his career, and he needed to take a step back to move forward. While it wasn't the success he might have hoped for, the experience at the Bernabeu undoubtedly shaped him.

The Move to AC Milan: A New Beginning

In the summer of 2019, Theo Hernandez joined AC Milan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. This move proved to be the catalyst that unlocked his full potential. At Milan, Theo quickly established himself as a key player, becoming a fan favorite with his dynamic performances and infectious energy. He was given the freedom to express himself on the pitch, and he flourished in the attacking style of play implemented by coach Stefano Pioli. His pace, power, and dribbling skills made him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he formed a potent attacking partnership with the likes of Rafael Leao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He also improved his defensive game, becoming a more reliable and disciplined defender. His tackling, interceptions, and aerial ability all improved significantly, making him a more complete player. One of the highlights of his time at Milan has been his goalscoring record. He has scored numerous important goals for the club, including stunning solo efforts and powerful strikes from distance. His goals have often been decisive, helping Milan secure crucial victories and challenge for trophies. He played a pivotal role in Milan's Serie A title win in the 2021-22 season, contributing with both goals and assists. His performances have earned him widespread praise, with many considering him to be one of the best left-backs in the world. The move to Milan has transformed Theo Hernandez from a promising talent into a world-class player. He has found a club where he feels valued and appreciated, and he has repaid their faith with a string of outstanding performances. He has become a leader on and off the pitch, and he is an integral part of Milan's success. His journey from Atletico Madrid to Real Madrid to AC Milan is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in his own ability. He is proof that sometimes a change of scenery is all that a player needs to unlock their full potential.

Conclusion

Theo Hernandez's journey before joining AC Milan was filled with valuable experiences, challenges, and growth. From his early days at Atletico Madrid to his breakthrough loan spell at Alaves and his difficult transition at Real Madrid, each step contributed to shaping him into the player he is today. It was at AC Milan that Theo truly blossomed, showcasing his exceptional talent and becoming one of the world's best left-backs. His story is a reminder that the path to success is not always linear and that sometimes, a change of scenery can be the key to unlocking one's full potential. He continues to shine for Milan, a testament to his hard work and determination. His pre-Milan days were essential in forging the world-class player we see today.