Monk worked with Hernandez, who can also operate as a winger, at Leeds, and he raved about the 35-year-old.
The former Swansea City boss believes that the Spaniard is still good enough to play in the Premier League next season.
Leeds will feature in the top fight of English football next season for the first time since 2004 after winning the Championship title this campaign.
Meanwhile, former Leeds boss Peter Reid has praised 24-year-old midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Monk told The Sunday Mirror (print edition, page 69, July 19, 2020) about Hernandez: “He is a quality above in the Championship – it’s why I took him to Leeds. He is one of the best players in the league, especially offensively.”
The Wednesday boss added: “He is one of a number of Leeds players who have the quality to play at a higher level.”
Reid told The Daily Mail: “Kalvin Phillips is a tremendous player in midfield. I look at him and think ‘You’ll Do’. That is a good football saying! He is always an influence.
“‘Nobody can play well every game but I’ll tell you what Phillips is, even if he’s not playing well, he’s hard to play against. That is a compliment.”
Important player for Leeds United
Although Hernandez is 35 years of age now, he remains an important player for Leeds and is still hugely creative.
The former Valencia star has played in the Premier League before, but given his age, he has to be managed properly next season.
The 35-year-old may not be able to start and finish each and every game, but he will play his role for Leeds next season, with his experience and vision an asset for head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
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