Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has told Ouest France that it he finds it ‘so much easier’ when Pablo Hernandez is on the pitch.
Hernandez has helped Leeds earn promotion back to the Premier League, and the Spaniard remains a hugely influential figure at Elland Road.
Despite his advancing years Hernandez has been a regular in Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
And Meslier singled Hernandez out as one of Leeds’ top players when asked, alongside Ben White and Kalvin Phillips.
“Pablo Hernández. It’s so much easier when he plays,” the £5.2 million goalkeeper (L’Equipe) said when asked about the Leeds’ leading talents.
“Ben White, loaned by Brighton, who was in defence and Kalvin Phillips. He’s so good with his passing and set pieces. The last two have a great future, Pablo is a bit older. I really leaned on them this season, they’re guys you can speak with.”
Hernandez actually wasn’t fully fit for Leeds towards the end of the season, but he still played a role for Bielsa’s side at crunch stage.
Hernandez was regularly used as a substitute and his performance against Fulham was one of his most memorable of his time with the Yorkshire club.
The playmaker came on at half-time and completely turned the game as Leeds picked up a 3-0 victory over their promotion rivals.
Hernandez also scored in Leeds’ last game against Derby County, as they won 3-1 at Pride Park.
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