It’s always useful to have a Spanish international on the pitch when you’re attempting to open up defences.
It’s a testament to the depth of Garry Monk’s squad that the six-week absence of Pablo Hernandez has had little impact on results.
In fact, Leeds won five times in seven Championship fixtures since the former Valencia schemer last graced the second tier turf with a sublime individual display against Norwich in November.
It’s like he’d never been away. Coming off the bench just after the hour mark on Boxing Day, Hernandez slotted home Leeds’ clinching goal in a 4-1 hammering of Preston North End at Deepdale. The Whites had never before netted four under Monk but it was fitting that the opportunity fell to Hernandez to put the stamp on that particular landmark.
Leeds’ most impressive away victory in some time will rightly be remembered for the brilliant performance of Kemar Roofe, netting a goal to go with his two assists, but the importance of Hernandez’s return to action must not be understated nonetheless.
After all, the only games Leeds failed to win in Hernandez absence were arguably the most important –away trips to Brighton and Newcastle. Leeds lost 2-0 on both occasions, with the Spaniard’s cutting edge and sharp mind conspicuous by its absence.
Therefore, with the Yorkshire giants aiming to consolidate their top six place in the coming months, the return of Hernandez could be as important as any January signing.
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