Leeds still managed to win 1-0 without the former Spanish international.
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan felt that the Yorkshire side missed creative midfielder Pablo Hernandez against Wolves in the Championship yesterday.
Leeds won their game at the Molineux thanks to an own goal from Silvio after excellent work on the wing by Hadi Sacko.
Oddly however they probably did not play any better against Wolves than in their recent matches against Derby County and Wigan Athletic – games they did not win.
They also went into this game without one of their main attacking influences in Pablo Hernandez.
Blackburn’s Jack Byrne and Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez in action
The Spanish playmaker had a dead leg, which saw him come off against Wigan in midweek, and therefore missed the game.
Kalvin Phillips played in the advanced role instead but Whelan, speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, felt that Hernandez was missed by his former club:
“I think we missed him, more so in the first 45 minutes. I don’t think we really were busy enough getting the ball forward, in between those lines.
Nottingham Forests’ Henri Lansbury in action with Leeds United’s Pablo Hernandez
“I felt it took a little bit of time just for Kalvin to get used to that position and how to make those runs.
“We were that sloppy in the first-half and a little bit slow getting the ball forward and putting the ball into areas. It was very difficult for him to get into the game.”
Phillips did his best in the role but for all his swashbuckling hard work he does not have the guile that Hernandez possesses in that role.
But the fact that Leeds managed to pick up the win without perhaps their most creative force is a great reflection on Garry Monk’s team.
Leeds fans will still be hoping Hernandez is back for their next game.
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