Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao looked much better as AC Milan prevailed 4-0 against Venezia on Saturday evening. They combined for the first goal of the game and continued to shine afterwards, but the litmus tests are coming up for the duo.
As highlighted by today’s Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Hernandez and Leao combined for the first goal with their usual connection. And once the ball crossed the line, the Frenchman pointed to his teammates to give him the credit, like a true captain.
The two continued their show on the left flank after that, with Leao making full use of his great dribbling and Hernandez overlapping in the right moments. As revealed by Tammy Abraham after the game, it was also Leao who told Christian Pulisic to let him take the penalty.
Meanwhile, Hernandez was also very diligent in defence and even covered for some of his teammates, making the run across the field several times. Having said all of this, the litmus tests in the shape of Liverpool and Inter are on the cards for the duo.
Only then, as the newspaper puts it, will we be able to understand if Hernandez and Leao can be the new faces of Milan’s new era. Ending the derby drought (six consecutive defeats) would certainly send a huge signal and turn around the season, as could a win against Liverpool on Tuesday.
