Hakimi Vs. Theo Hernandez: Real Madrid's Missed Opportunities?

Real Madrid, a club synonymous with galáctico signings and a relentless pursuit of excellence, has occasionally seen promising talents slip through its fingers. Among those talents, Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernandez stand out as prime examples of players who, for various reasons, didn't quite make their mark at the Santiago Bernabéu but went on to achieve considerable success elsewhere. This article explores the trajectories of Hakimi and Hernandez, examining their time at Real Madrid, the factors that contributed to their departures, and their subsequent achievements, while also pondering whether Real Madrid might have missed a trick in letting them go.

The Rise of Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi's journey began in Real Madrid's youth academy, La Fábrica. A dynamic and versatile player, Hakimi quickly progressed through the ranks, impressing coaches and fans alike with his pace, dribbling skills, and attacking prowess. His ability to play as a right-back, right-wing-back, or even as a winger made him a valuable asset, and he seemed destined for a bright future at the club. Hakimi's official debut for Real Madrid came in 2017, and he even managed to score his first goal for the club later that year. However, despite showing glimpses of his potential, Hakimi found it difficult to break into the first team on a regular basis. Dani Carvajal, a stalwart at right-back, was firmly entrenched in the starting lineup, limiting Hakimi's opportunities. In search of regular playing time and to further his development, Hakimi joined Borussia Dortmund on a two-year loan in 2018.

His time in Dortmund proved to be a turning point in his career. Under the guidance of coach Lucien Favre, Hakimi blossomed into one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe. He showcased his attacking flair, contributing a remarkable number of goals and assists. His performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League drew widespread acclaim, and it became increasingly clear that Hakimi was a special talent. Upon the expiration of his loan deal, Hakimi returned to Real Madrid, but the club's plans for him remained unclear. With Carvajal still the preferred choice at right-back, and with other options available, Real Madrid ultimately decided to sell Hakimi to Inter Milan in 2020. This decision raised eyebrows among many fans and pundits, who believed that Real Madrid were making a mistake in letting go of such a promising young player. At Inter Milan, Hakimi continued to shine, playing a key role in their Serie A title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte. His attacking contributions and defensive solidity made him an integral part of the team. After just one season in Italy, Hakimi moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021, where he has continued to impress with his performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. His career trajectory since leaving Real Madrid has been nothing short of impressive, establishing him as one of the world's best full-backs. Looking back, the decision to let Hakimi leave seems like a missed opportunity for Real Madrid. His attacking qualities, versatility, and overall potential could have made him a valuable asset to the team. While Carvajal has been a consistent performer for many years, having a player like Hakimi in the squad would have provided valuable competition and depth.

Theo Hernandez: A Tale of Unfulfilled Potential

Theo Hernandez, like Hakimi, is another player who once had the chance to make a name for himself at Real Madrid. Arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2017, Hernandez was seen as a promising left-back with pace, power, and a willingness to attack. He possessed all the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level, and many believed that he could become a long-term replacement for Marcelo, who was entering the twilight years of his career. However, Hernandez's time at Real Madrid was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. He struggled to adapt to the demands of the club, and he found it difficult to displace Marcelo from the starting lineup. Opportunities were limited, and when he did play, he often failed to impress. His performances lacked consistency, and he made several costly errors. After just one season at Real Madrid, Hernandez was sent out on loan to Real Sociedad in 2018. The loan spell was intended to give him regular playing time and to help him regain his confidence. However, his performances at Real Sociedad were also underwhelming, and he failed to make a significant impact. In 2019, Real Madrid decided to sell Hernandez to AC Milan. This move marked a fresh start for the young left-back, and he quickly seized the opportunity to revive his career. At AC Milan, Hernandez has transformed into one of the best left-backs in Serie A. He has become a key player for the Rossoneri, showcasing his attacking prowess, defensive solidity, and overall dynamism. His performances have drawn widespread praise, and he has established himself as a vital component of the team. Hernandez's success at AC Milan has been a testament to his talent, determination, and ability to learn from his past mistakes. He has matured as a player, and he has developed the consistency and reliability that were lacking during his time at Real Madrid. The decision to let Hernandez leave Real Madrid may not have been as glaring an error as the Hakimi situation, but it still raises questions about the club's assessment of young talent. While Hernandez struggled to make an impact at Real Madrid, his subsequent success at AC Milan suggests that he had the potential to succeed at the highest level. Perhaps with more patience, guidance, and opportunities, Real Madrid could have unlocked his potential and benefited from his qualities.

What Went Wrong at Real Madrid?

Several factors may have contributed to Hakimi and Hernandez not succeeding at Real Madrid. Competition for places was fierce, with established stars like Carvajal and Marcelo already occupying their respective positions. This made it difficult for the young players to break into the first team and gain regular playing time. The pressure to perform at Real Madrid is immense, and some young players may struggle to cope with the expectations. Hakimi and Hernandez may have felt the weight of expectation and found it difficult to showcase their best form. Furthermore, the coaching styles and tactical approaches at Real Madrid may not have suited Hakimi and Hernandez. Different coaches have different preferences, and some players may thrive under one coach while struggling under another. The club's decision-making process regarding young players may also have played a role. Real Madrid have often been quick to sell or loan out young players who don't immediately make an impact, rather than giving them time to develop and mature. This approach may have cost them some talented players in the long run.

Lessons Learned and Missed Opportunities

The cases of Hakimi and Hernandez serve as valuable lessons for Real Madrid and other top clubs. It is important to have patience with young players and to give them time to develop and mature. Not all players will immediately make an impact, and it is crucial to provide them with the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential. Clubs should also carefully assess the coaching styles and tactical approaches to ensure that they suit the players' strengths. A player who struggles under one coach may thrive under another. Furthermore, clubs should avoid making hasty decisions regarding young players. Selling or loaning out players too early may prevent them from developing into valuable assets. Real Madrid's decision to let Hakimi and Hernandez leave may have been a missed opportunity. Both players have gone on to achieve considerable success elsewhere, and they could have potentially made a significant contribution to the team. Looking ahead, Real Madrid should learn from these experiences and adopt a more patient and strategic approach to developing and retaining young talent.

The Last Word

In conclusion, the stories of Achraf Hakimi and Theo Hernandez at Real Madrid are cautionary tales of missed opportunities. While both players faced challenges in breaking into the first team, their subsequent success elsewhere suggests that Real Madrid may have been too hasty in letting them go. The club's focus on established stars and its impatience with young players may have cost them two potentially valuable assets. As Real Madrid continue to strive for excellence, they must learn from these experiences and adopt a more strategic approach to nurturing and retaining young talent. Guys, what do you think? Did Real Madrid make a mistake? Let me know your thoughts!