Why Theo Hernandez would solve Manchester City’s left-back issues
As per Calciomercato (h/t MEN), Manchester City are interested in signing AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez this summer.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a successful time with Real Madrid after joining them from city-rivals Atletico in the summer of 2017. He won four trophies with Los Blancos in one season, including the Champions League title, and was considered to go on and become the first choice.
Theo Hernandez (C) during his time with Real Madrid (Getty Images)
But Marcelo’s presence in the squad eventually saw the Frenchman move to Real Sociedad on loan before he made a permanent switch to Italy with AC Milan last summer. Since then, Hernandez has hit top form and has also caught the attention of French giants Paris Saint-Germain, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have fallen behind in the race to the Premier League title, failing to defend the title with the below-par performances. Pep Guardiola’s men have not been dominant as they were in the previous successful campaigns and are 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
While City’s attacking unit has been brilliant, scoring 68 goals so far, they have lacked stability at the back. The defence has conceded 31 goals, which is poor in standards to the 23 they shipped throughout last season. It is clear that the defending champions are in dire need of a central defender.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola (Getty Images)
However, while bringing in reinforcements to central defence, the manager should also look to solve the left-back crisis at the earliest.
The left-back crisis at Man City
Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko are the two left-backs available at the manager’s disposal. And Angelino has been sent on loan to RB Leipzig.
Mendy and Zinchenko have both struggled with fitness in the past two seasons after picking up serious injuries. They have been vulnerable on several occasions and the Ukrainian has never been the same since his surgery.
In this regard, signing AC Milan’s Hernandez would be a good solution to the left-back crisis. The Frenchman has been brilliant at both ends of the pitch this term and has already racked up 5 goals and 3 assists in 22 league games.
Theo Hernandez has established himself as a key player for AC Milan (Getty Images)
Since leaving Real Madrid, the former French U21 international has featured regularly and this has been his most productive season. He would be a valuable addition to Guardiola’s squad if he is able to replicate his good form.
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Verdict
The former Real Sociedad man has won almost everything at club level and is just 22. He could be seen as a long-term prospect for City and has the ability to succeed. He would also provide City with the required depth in the squad and could also score a handful of goals. Thus, they should lure Hernandez to Etihad this summer.
