MN: Theo matches his idol Maldini with more evidence of strong bond in display

Few players that AC Milan have signed in the past decade have had the level of impact that Theo Hernandez has had, and there was a reminder of his relationship with Paolo Maldini on social media.

As MilanNews write, it can be strongly argue that Theo Hernandez is the best left-back to have come to Milan after Maldini retired, without making a direct comparison between the two players because of the very different ways they occupy the role.

It was immediately clear that Theo had something a bit different. The French full-back arrived at Milan, still very young at 21, but already labeled as a talent that required work after time at Atletico Madrid, Deportivo Alaves, Real Sociedad and Real Madrid.

Maldini was convinced by his qualities and personally convinced the player to join. Initially he was almost a winger and showed that he needed to grow a lot defensively but also in terms of character, but these are steps forward that have been made in these last five seasons.

Against Lecce Theo Hernandez also reached a record of his idol and mentor Maldini who also got 29 goals in Serie A. It is difficult perhaps that he will reach the mythological levels of Maldini in terms of overall impact, but he will still be able to write important pages in the history of the Rossoneri.

It was Paolo himself on Instagram who complimented his protégé: “Grande Theo. The small difference is that it took me 25 years, 5 were enough for you. You are special!”