The Spaniard did not have his best game in a Leeds shirt.
Leeds United have lost to local rivals Barnsley in the Championship. The Tykes prevailed 3-2 in a tough game at Oakwell, in which Chris Wood went to 19 goals this season but could not take Leeds to victory.
All in all it was simply a poor day at the office from Leeds and they did not deserve to take away three points from the fixture as Barnsley rightly punished them.
Leeds’ Pablo Hernandez shoots from a free-kick
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan spoke after the game about the issues that faced Leeds today and he felt they struggled to get Pablo Hernandez into the game, even suggesting a tough clash like this is not built for the Spanish maestro.
He told BBC Radio Leeds:
“Leeds didn’t utilise Hernandez enough – our passing wasn’t crisp enough, accurate enough.
“Sometimes, when you need that bit of stability in those central areas… He just looked off the pace. And maybe your flair players, your luxury players – maybe they’re not the best in aggressive games like this.
“This should, in theory, have been a game for Hernandez, as he’s clever and will find spaces, but you have to be a little bit more than that. He can’t be a difference if the others aren’t on it and don’t open up those spaces.”
Picture Supplied by Action Images – Noel Whelan
Hernandez has been revelation for Leeds since arriving at the club and he adds the special guile and skill needed if Leeds are to push on for a promotion tilt.
But he is a luxury player and with his often-effortless classy performances Leeds fans must know and expect that there will be the odd bad one thrown in as well.
Hopefully he can be back to his best for the fixture with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
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