## Theo Hernández: AC Milan Tackle Data – A Modern Fullback Masterclass
Since joining AC Milan permanently in 2019, Theo Hernández has evolved into one of world football's most devastating attacking fullbacks. His statistical profile reveals why he’s indispensable to Stefano Pioli’s system, particularly in advanced tactical roles like high press resistance and overlapping runs. Let’s break down his **tackle data** across key metrics:
### **Defensive Contribution Beyond Basics**
While known for goals/assists (career-high *12 goals & 11 assists* in 2021–22), his defensive impact often goes unnoticed. Last season (2023–24 Serie A):
• Avergae **6.1 tackle attempts per game** – top 5 among defenders. Crucially, he succeeds physically: **~78% success rate** on challenges. This isn’t just luck; it reflects fearless engagement. When opponents try to bypass him down the flank, they rarely win the duel cleanly. His timing allows recovery without fouling (only ~2 yellow cards seasonally).
• **Interceptions spike under pressure:** Per WyScout,Serie A Overview Theo makes 2.3 interceptions/game when Milan concede possession high upfield—highest among starters. He snuffs out counterattacks before they start, seamlessly transitioning from defender to initiator. Against fast wingers? His speed forces errors or forces backward passes.
### **Progressive Ball Winning: Turning Defense into Offense**
What truly sets Theo apart is how he converts defense into attacking momentum:
| Season | Successful Tackles Leading to Goalscoring Opportunity | Carries Into Opposition Half After Regaining Possession |
|--------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| 2022–23 | 18 (joint league lead among defenders) | 47 (2nd highest on team behind Diaz) |
| 2023–24 | 15 | 51 (league max @ fullback position) |
After winning back possession, he drives forward relentlessly. Opta notes he completed **dribbles at 6.4 per match**—more than any other defender globally last season. This directly feeds Rafael Leao’s verticality or creates space via width. One iconic sequence vs Napoli saw him dispossess Victor Osimhen → dribble past three players → square for Giroud’s opener. Pure transitional chaos orchestrated by *his tackle*.
### **Why Coaches Trust Him High and Wide**
Pioli pushes Milan’s defensive line exceptionally wide (average width differential of +9m vs standard setups). Yet Theo maintains elite recovery stats: according to Understat, opposition touches occur just once every 26 minutes in his third of the pitch while deployed offensively. Safeguarding width without sacrificing structure defines his dual-role mastery.
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Theo isn’t just stopping balls; he’s stopping attacks while launching them. At AC Milan, tackling isn’t merely destruction—it’s the first pass forward. And no one executes that duality better than ‘Reggente’ Hernández.