Milan picked up three key points on the road at Bologna on Sunday night, as a Krzysztof Piatek penalty and strikes from Theo Hernandez and Giacomo Bonaventura helped move the Rossoneri into the top half of the table. It was a delight for Pioli and Milan as the club have now secured back to back wins after beating Parma last weekend.

It was only the second time Milan have managed back-to-back wins this season, with the last of those coming in August in wins against newly-promoted pair Hellas Verona and Brescia.

One player who has been crucial to the Rossoneri’s resurgence is 22-year-old Theo Hernandez. The Frenchman has dominated headlines for Milan of recent and on Sunday, his influence was one so vast it spread to both ends of the pitch.

Against Parma last weekend, his late goal secured the longly awaited win for Pioli and a much needed three points.  Against bologna much recently, he was all over proceedings as well.

He was involved in almost everything that happened, be it good or bad for Milan. He did relatively well on the left before being found by Suso to double the Rossoneri’s lead, but it was after his goal that things got fun.

Celebrating at the corner flag beneath Bologna’s Curva, those inside didn’t take too kindly to his salute in their direction.

Just moments later he scored an own goal to breathe life into Bologna’s players and support, and the announcement crediting him with the goal was met with rapturous cheers and mocking.

When he came out after the break he was the target for shouts of ‘scemo‘, or fool, as the Bolognese made their feelings for him clear.

He then gave away a penalty that would put Milan on unnecessary nerves throughout the game. Regardless, his impact was felt on the pitch as has been a recurring theme this season.

For all of Milan’s struggles to score goals, It’s ironic that Theo Hernandez is the team’s anchor in that regard. His tally of four league goals means he is currently Milan’s joint top-scorer alongside striker Krzysztof Piatek as per Whoscored. His one assist further means he is the chief contributor for goals in the whole Milan squad – as Piatek hasn’t made any assists so far in the league

He might not be the best off the ball but his output in goal contributions is making him an indispensable asset for Milan as it stands. It’s no surprise his rating of 7.08 as per Whoscored is the highest of any Milan player and we can only expect his performances to get better week in week out.

Asides his performances looking promising, his stock is already rising very fast and it could be just a matter of time before the 22-year-old is a highly wanted player all over Europe.

A recent report by Calciomercato stressed the above narrative and more importantly the fact that his value has almost doubled after his fine showing this season. At this rate, It’s no doubt the Milan hierarchy would be more than happy to fulfil the 18m obligation to sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis – as was included in contract details of his signature.

A recent article indicated that Milan’s fixture list looked friendly and there was room to capitalize and gain ground from their many disappointments this season. Milan have taken to that on a positive note and would now be looking to maintain that resurgence. The Rossoneri are only a point behind seventh-placed Napoli and there is now hope something decent can be salvaged from the season – based on recent performances.

For all of Milan’s ambition and desire under Pioli, Theo Hernandez is proving to be a real figure in the team a strong part of the team’s core. As long as he remains fit and on form, he would well be an indispensable player for Milan as has been from the start of the season.

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