Neil Redfearn praises Pablo Hernandez’s performance in Leeds’ defeat to Burton

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Leeds United suffered a hugely disappointing defeat to Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez in action with Derby’s Bradley Johnson

Neil Redfearn has told Radio Yorkshire that he thought that Pablo Hernandez played well in Leeds’ defeat to Burton, but suggested that the Whites got what they deserved from a game that dealt a major blow to their play-off aspirations.

Garry Monk’s men’s chances of finishing in the top six seem to be all but over with the Whites needing to, realistically, secure four more points than Fulham during the final two games of the campaign to earn a play-off spot.

However, they went into Saturday’s game with their destiny in their own hands as they knew that three wins out of three would have guaranteed a place in the top six.

But Burton took the spoils with a 2-1 win. And although Redfearn could not defend Leeds’ performance, he did have plenty of praise for their Spanish playmaker.

“I think they lacked quality in the final third, and I think probably that that’s been their Achilles heel in this run in,” he told Radio Yorkshire.

Queens Park Rangers’ Luke Freeman and Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez in action

“I thought Hernandez played well today I have to say, and I know he makes mistakes and he tries to play in the wrong areas at times but his quality is fantastic, two or three balls that really put people in the clear, that sort of bravery does win you games.

“But I just think that, over the 90 minutes, I thought Burton wanted it that little bit more I have to say.”

Hernandez is a player that has somewhat divided supporters since he arrived at Elland Road. On his day, he has always been a player capable of winning matches on his own, but that is what has made much of his campaign so frustrating.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

Unfortunately, the 32-year-old has been very inconsistent and has gone missing in games, and it seems that Monk has kept the faith in him due to what he can do when on form rather than because his previous performances have been good enough.

But Redfearn’s assessment of Hernandez’s display against Burton suggests that he is backing the attacking midfielder to be the kind of player that Leeds need if they are to stand any chance of being ready to swoop in if Fulham do slip up.