Stops defending and squanders chances: Theo remains a question mark for Milan | OneFootball

Theo Hernandez didn’t have the best of games as AC Milan drew 2-2 against Fiorentina last night. In addition to missing chances in attack, the full-back struggled to keep things tight in defence, asserting his question-mark status

Just as the season has been disappointing for Milan as a team, the same can definitely be said about Hernandez on an individual front. There have obviously been some good games from the Frenchman, but his lowest level has been much lower than in previous seasons.

Unfortunately, yesterday’s game against Fiorentina was an example of that due to various reasons, struggling in both phases of the game. What to do with Hernandez ahead of next season, especially given the expiring contract in 2026, thus remains a question mark.

Unacceptable behaviour

In many games this season, we have often seen defensive struggles for Hernandez, while in attack he has often been useful. Yesterday, however, he struggled in both phases as a couple of really good counter-attacking opportunities were squandered, while the defending was embarrassing at times.

On Fiorentina’s goal, as we highlighted in our ratings, Hernandez looked over his shoulder and spotted La Viola’s full-back Dodo. However, he still failed to pick up the Brazilian when the ball (as expected) did arrive, making things very easy for the opponent.

The poor defending continued throughout the game, with Dodo running riot on Milan’s left flank, and the 27-year-old also had a very unprofessional moment. In the 41st minute, after Dodo appealed for a penalty, Theo ended up in an argument with the Fiorentina man and stopped playing completely.

As Fiorentina attacked down Milan’s left-hand side, Hernandez was busy arguing with Dodo, leaving the flank open as Rafael Leao hadn’t had time to track back. You could argue that since a Fiorentina player was also involved, it’s +0, but that’s not really the case.

Because Dodo, while important for Fiorentina, isn’t a given in the attacking phase as he’s ultimately a full-back. Hernandez, meanwhile, is definitely a given in Milan’s defensive phase so instead of helping out his teammates, he decided to argue (and for what?).

Put simply, it’s unacceptable behaviour from the Frenchman who has displayed poor mentality all season. Arguments take place all the time in football, that’s true, but rarely while play is still going on and it could have been more costly for Milan.

Question mark persists

Taking all of the above into consideration, we are none the wiser when it comes to Hernandez’s future at the club. The current contract will expire in 2026 and while both parties have expressed a willingness to renew, there hasn’t been great progress.

Milan are worried about Hernandez’s recent performance, or rather the performances all season, and have thus taken their foot off the gas. They did the same with Mike Maignan and the goalkeeper fought his way back, proving why he deserves the renewal, at least based on the last couple of games.

Hernandez, on the other hand, has only shown that he’s still one of the world’s best left-backs in quick bursts. The question mark persists, in other words, and the Milan management is facing a difficult decision even if it’s clear that a free transfer cannot be accepted.