Theo Hernandez's turnaround: From leaving Real Madrid to becoming one of the best full-backs in the world

Theo Hernandez's run from his own box to the other end of the pitch followed by a low finish was more like a scene from a basketball match.

The goal put AC Milan 2-0 up against Atalanta at the Stadio San Siro and it leaves them needing just one point to clinch the Serie A title next weekend.

"It's the most important goal of my life," Theo admitted after the match.

A meeting in Ibiza that changed everything

However, before arriving in Milan, Theo's life changed in Ibiza. His time at Real Madrid did not live up to expectations, neither for him nor for the club, and he knew he could give more.

Then, Paolo Maldini crossed his path. One of the best in history; not as a left-back, but simply as a footballer. A legend who took a flight from Milan to Ibiza to meet Theo on a restaurant terrace to convince him to join the Rossoneri.

"If I signed for Milan, it was largely thanks to Maldini. I was very close to joining Bayer Leverkusen, but he turned everything upside down," Theo confessed in an interview with L'Equipe.

"He came to visit me when I was on holiday in Ibiza. We talked about football... He told me a lot of good things about my game and my progress."

Milan paid 20 million euros and signed the Frenchman in a deal that was called into question at the time.

Theo's evolution

Theo has scored 20 goals and provided the same number of assists since arriving at Milan, establishing himself as an attacking full-back with numbers befitting of a winger.

He has fixed one of his weaknesses, which was his defensive ability. Although he is not Maldini, he has improved a lot in this aspect of the game and is part of one of the best defences in Europe.

One of the best in the world in his position

By numbers there is no doubt: Theo is among the best. Surely, like so many other Serie A players, he needs the return of the media hype to Calcio, now somewhat removed from the main European spotlight.

What is certain is that, if a few seasons ago we only looked at the likes of Alphonso Davies or Andy Robertson at the top level in terms of left-backs, Theo can now sit at this table.