Before Theo Hernandez became a celebrated figure at AC Milan, his journey was marked by promising potential, challenges, and crucial developmental stages. Understanding his background before joining the Rossoneri provides valuable insights into the making of the dynamic player we see today. Let's dive into the formative years and experiences that shaped Theo Hernandez prior to his move to Milan.

Early Career and Formation

Theo Hernandez's footballing journey began in the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid. Born in Marseille, France, to a footballing family – his father, Jean-François Hernandez, was also a professional player – Theo was immersed in the sport from a young age. His early years at Atletico were characterized by rapid progress through the youth categories, showcasing his natural athleticism and attacking flair. While in Atletico Madrid B he plays as a left-back, it was evident that he possessed a unique blend of defensive solidity and offensive drive, setting him apart from many of his peers.

However, breaking into the first team at Atletico Madrid proved to be a significant hurdle. The club had established stars and a well-defined squad, making it difficult for young players to secure regular playing time. Despite his undeniable talent, Theo found opportunities limited, prompting a crucial decision in his career: a loan move to Alaves during the 2016-2017 season. This move turned out to be a pivotal moment, providing him with the platform to showcase his abilities in a competitive environment.

At Alaves, Theo Hernandez quickly established himself as a key player. Playing as a left-back, he impressed with his energetic performances, contributing both defensively and offensively. His blistering pace, willingness to take on defenders, and eye for a cross made him a constant threat down the left flank. It was during this loan spell that he truly began to capture the attention of football fans and scouts across Europe. His performances were not just promising; they were impactful, helping Alaves reach the Copa del Rey final, where he even scored a stunning free-kick against Barcelona. This moment epitomized his growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure.

Move to Real Madrid: A Stepping Stone

Following his successful loan spell at Alaves, Theo Hernandez secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2017. This transfer was seen as a major step forward in his career, joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, the move also came with considerable challenges. Real Madrid boasted a star-studded squad, and competition for places was fierce. Marcelo, one of the best left-backs in the world, was firmly entrenched in the starting lineup, limiting Theo's opportunities.

During his time at Real Madrid, Theo Hernandez found it difficult to secure regular playing time. He made sporadic appearances, often filling in for Marcelo when the Brazilian was injured or rested. While he showed glimpses of his potential, he struggled to replicate the consistency and impact he had demonstrated at Alaves. The pressure of playing for such a prestigious club, coupled with limited game time, took its toll on his development. Despite the challenges, he gained invaluable experience training alongside world-class players and learning from one of the most successful coaches in football history, Zinedine Zidane.

Loan to Real Sociedad: Seeking Stability

In search of more consistent playing time and a chance to reignite his career, Theo Hernandez was loaned out to Real Sociedad for the 2018-2019 season. This move was aimed at providing him with the stability and platform he needed to develop his game further. At Real Sociedad, he became a regular starter, featuring prominently in the team's lineup. While his performances were solid, they didn't quite reach the heights of his Alaves days. He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season.

Theo Hernandez's time at Real Sociedad was a mixed bag. He demonstrated his attacking qualities, contributing with goals and assists, but also faced criticism for defensive lapses. Overall, the loan spell provided him with valuable experience and helped him regain some confidence, but it was clear that he needed a change of scenery to truly unlock his full potential. The experience highlighted the areas he needed to improve, particularly in his defensive positioning and decision-making.

The Transfer to AC Milan: A New Chapter

The summer of 2019 marked a significant turning point in Theo Hernandez's career as he completed a transfer to AC Milan. This move represented a fresh start for the young full-back, offering him the opportunity to establish himself as a key player at a historic club undergoing a period of rebuilding. AC Milan saw in Theo the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the world, and they were prepared to give him the platform and support he needed to achieve that.

Theo Hernandez's arrival at AC Milan was met with optimism and excitement. The club's fans were eager to see what he could bring to the team, and he quickly set about making a positive impression. From his very first appearances, it was clear that he possessed the qualities to thrive in Serie A. His pace, power, and attacking instincts made him a natural fit for Milan's dynamic style of play. The move to AC Milan provided Theo with the perfect environment to showcase his talents and develop into the player he always had the potential to be.

Before his move to AC Milan, Theo Hernandez was a player with immense potential but one who had yet to fully realize it. His early career at Atletico Madrid, loan spells at Alaves and Real Sociedad, and a stint at Real Madrid provided him with valuable experiences and lessons. However, it was his transfer to AC Milan that truly unlocked his potential, transforming him into one of the most exciting and dynamic full-backs in world football. His journey before Milan was a crucial part of his development, shaping him into the player he is today.

Key Takeaways from His Pre-Milan Days

1. Early Promise at Atletico Madrid: Theo Hernandez showed great potential in Atletico Madrid's youth system, but struggled to break into the first team due to intense competition.
2. Breakthrough at Alaves: His loan spell at Alaves was a turning point, where he demonstrated his attacking and defensive capabilities, earning him a move to Real Madrid.
3. Challenges at Real Madrid: Limited playing time at Real Madrid hindered his development, despite the invaluable experience gained.
4. Seeking Stability at Real Sociedad: A loan move to Real Sociedad provided more playing time, but consistency remained an issue.
5. Foundation for Future Success: Each of these experiences contributed to his growth, preparing him for his transformative move to AC Milan.

Theo Hernandez's story before AC Milan is a testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and finding the right environment to thrive. His journey from promising youth player to established star is an inspiring one, showcasing the impact of strategic career decisions and the unwavering pursuit of potential.