Leeds United brought Izzy Brown back to the Championship on a loan deal from Premier League giants Chelsea.
The absence of Pablo Hernandez hit Leeds United’s hard during Friday’s top-of-the-table clash with Middlesbrough.
On paper, a goalless draw with Tony Pulis’s side could be seen as a good result. It means Leeds remain unbeaten and are still in first place heading into the international break after all.
But there is a sense that Marcelo Bielsa’s side could have turned one point into three had Hernandez not been missing for the first time this season with a groin injury.
The 33-year-old makes Leeds tick in attack, scoring or assisting five goals in five Championship games so far in 2018/19 while possessing the composure and class to open up opposition defences. Against Boro, neither Samu Saiz, Gianni Alioski nor Jack Harrison could produce the required game-changing magic.
Which is maybe why Leeds signed Izzy Brown on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old has an impressive history in the Championship, helping Huddersfield earn a shock promotion in 2017. And blessed with quick feet, impressive dribbling skills and real vision, he could be a much-needed understudy whenever Hernandez is unavailable.
They even play in the same position, in the centre or to the left.
Given that Hernandez is 33, expecting him to start every one of Leeds’ 40 remaining Championship games is a big ask. Which makes Brown’s arrival hugely important.
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