Leeds United star Pablo Hernandez was praised by David Prutton.
Speaking on Sky Sports, David Prutton has singled out Pablo Hernandez for special praise following Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Sunday.
The Spaniard gave the Whites a 1-0 half-time lead, before playing an “absolutely exceptional” ball across the face of goal for Egzjan Alioski to double the lead in the second half.
Britt Assombalonga pulled one back from the penalty spot in the final quarter but it was not enough as Leeds moved level on points with Boro, who sit in the fourth and final playoff spot.
Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk took Hernandez to Elland Road in the summer of 2016 for his solitary season at Leeds, and Prutton believes that failing to combat him was detrimental.
“It was a turning point and helped Leeds relax into the game and dominate going into half-time. Pablo Hernandez is not picked up at all, there’s question marks from Boro’s point of view of knowing where your opposite man is,” he told Sky Sports.
“You can’t allow a player of his quality that amount of time and space at the back post.
“For the second goal, the ball in was absolutely exceptional but again we look at body shape. At the back post, does George Friend know where Alioski is?
“He has a vague idea but the ball is that perfect it completely obliterates the Boro back four and it’s a simple tap-in.”
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