How does Javier Hernandez’s form since 2015 compare to Tottenham strike pair?

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Javier Hernandez was impressive against Tottenham during Bayer Leverkusen’s 1-0 win at Wembley – how does he compare to Harry Kane and Vincent Janssen?

Tottenham’s Kyle Walker in action with Bayer Leverkusen’s Javier Hernandez

As Tottenham Hotspur took on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday, Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand commented on BT Sport that Spurs should consider the German side’s star striker, and Ferdinand’s former teammate, Javier Hernandez, as an attacking reinforcement.

With Spurs looking to strengthen their striking options this summer, the North Londoners plumped for young Dutch talent Vincent Janssen as a back up to White Hart Lane talisman Harry Kane. However, the Netherlands international has failed to net from open play, with a series of penalties his only strikes so far this season, and he failed to threaten against the Germans after coming on in the second half.

Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen helps up Crystal Palace’s Pape Souare as Tottenham’s Harry Kane looks on

Hernandez impressed in Leverkusen’s high press system that caused Tottenham problems at Wembley, and he has certainly shone since leaving United for the Bundesliga in 2015, but how does he compare to Kane and Janssen since the start of the 2015-16 season?

League performances since 2015/16

As is clear, Kane leads the way in terms of league goals despite arguably featuring in the toughest league. Janssen was also top scorer in the Netherlands last season, but has just one goal to his name this season and more appearances than his Spurs teammate. Kane has more minutes than the other two players across the two seasons, and is also leading the way when it comes to dribbling past players, accurate passes and won tackles.

Janssen is a close second in a number of these categories, demonstrating that he is a similar kind of player to the England international. Accurate passes and tackles won are just behind Kane, despite playing over 500 minutes less. He also has the most assists out of the three players.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Javier Hernandez shoots

But what of Hernandez? He is behind in each category, and some way off in terms of winning tackles, a hallmark of what Pochettino wants from his frontmen. However, the Mexican has played just under 1000 minutes less than Kane, scoring only five less goals – the amount he has netted in just 639 minutes this season.

However, what these stats don’t show is the pace of Hernandez, something that is lacking when either Kane or Janssen are up front. Leverkusen put it to good use as they pressured Spurs across the pitch in what was a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat.