Zinedine Zidane is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers in Real Madrid's history, having guided the club to unparalleled European glory. However, some of his decisions left lasting repercussions, particularly the departure of young talents who could have addressed many of the team’s current issues.
One of the most notable examples is Theo Hernández, who is now widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world. Theo combines defensive solidity with explosive attacking prowess, excelling in one-on-one duels, rapid overlaps, and precise chance creation.
Zidane's Decision: An Irreplaceable Loss
Watching Theo Hernández today commands admiration. He possesses every quality required in a modern full-back: defensively robust, tactically intelligent, and offensively relentless with his forward runs and pinpoint crosses.
In his recent standout performance against Inter Milan, Theo completely dominated Denzel Dumfries' flank, exploiting spaces, creating overlapping runs, and crafting scoring opportunities with surgical precision. He’s the kind of full-back that opponents dread facing for a full 90 minutes.
Theo's departure from Real Madrid remains a contentious decision, especially given his current form, which places him among the best in his position globally. Had he stayed, he could have solved one of Madrid's persistent issues on the left flank.
While Zidane's achievements with Real Madrid are undeniable, some choices have proven costly. The question remains: Were these decisions necessary, or did Real Madrid pay too high a price for them?