Fonseca confirms Jimenez will remain the starter over Theo: “We need this” | OneFootball

Alex Jimenez got the chance from start once again last night as AC Milan beat Hellas Verona by one goal to nil. As confirmed by Paulo Fonseca after the game, the Spaniard will remain the preferred starter over Theo Hernandez.

As a result of Hernandez’s struggles this season, Fonseca decided to field Jimenez from start in the 0-0 draw against Genoa. While the performance from Milan as a team wasn’t good, the 19-year-old impressed a lot and thus got the chance again yesterday.

He got a 6.5/10 in our player ratings, only beaten by Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders at 7/10, while Gazzetta dello Sport gave him the same rating as the midfield duo. After the game, during the press conference (via MilanNews), Fonseca confirmed that Jimenez will remain the starter.

What is your stance on Jimenez and Theo?

“Jimenez is the starter at the moment, he played the last two games. Alex has worked hard, he was decisive and he must continue like this. I want this energy, this desire to run, we need this. Whether he is a kid or not, I don’t care.”

Will it be a technical evaluation?

“He has to continue like this. We will see in what position, today he also played as a winger.”

Why did you wait until December to play Jimenez?

“Now he has become a player of our team.”

Rafael Leao left yesterday’s game with an injury and although the tests ruled out a lesion, he will thus miss the game against Roma. It’s thus possible that Fonseca could field Jimenez on the left wing again, unless he decides to go with Christian Pulisic there.