Leeds United’s midfielders are stepping up.
Leeds United attacker Pablo Hernandez was one of the best midfielders in the Championship last season. Many Leeds fans would tell you he was the best.
But Hernandez is 34-years-old, and as good as Leeds were last year, it was fair to ask whether Hernandez could reproduce his heroics. The Spaniard provided 12 assists in 2018/19.
Part of the challenge for Leeds was to ensure that this season, Hernandez was not over burdened. Fortunately they have one of the most creative managers in world football.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa has clearly spotted this concern too, and he has been helping Leeds fine-tune their attacking options.
This season Leeds’ other midfielders have been stepping up, and this was evident in the Whites’ win against Barnsley.
Spreading the creative burden
Hernandez was typically excellent against Barnsley, creating three chances.
But his teammates did their bit too. Mateusz Klich made four key passes, while teenager Jamie Shackleton, 19, created three chances himself.
Kalvin Phillips also created three goalscoring opportunities, while Stuart Dallas also did the same from right-back.
This all bodes well for Leeds, if there is a game Hernandez needs to sit out, it should not unduly concern them.
The way Shackleton stepped up so seamlessly yesterday was so encouraging and Leeds have real reason to be confident that they are a better side than last season.
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