Pablo Hernandez produced an incredible pass that allowed Stuart Dallas to break the deadlock in Leeds United’s latest win.
In comments reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Stuart Dallas has explained how fortunate Leeds are to have Pablo Hernandez in their ranks as he explained what was going through his mind in the build-up to the Whites’ first goal at the weekend.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men retained their spot at the top of the Championship as they thrashed Stoke City 3-0 at the bet365 Stadium. But it looked like it may not be plain sailing for the visitors as Nathan Jones’ side did their best to stop United from pulling the strings in the opening stages of the game.
However, Leeds gradually got themselves into the game, and it was a moment of brilliance that saw Dallas get the chance to break the deadlock shortly before the break.
A brilliant one-touch move saw the ball fall to Hernandez around 40 yards from goal. The Spaniard then produced an outrageous pass that put Dallas through on goal. The Northern Ireland international had actually been deeper than Hernandez when the ball left his feet, but somehow the attacking midfielder scouted the run and laid the chance on a plate without taking a touch to steady himself.
And Dallas explained that the Leeds players are always anticipating that something may happen when the ball falls to the man who has been the club’s talisman for the last couple of years.
“There was only one thing in my mind,” he said, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post. “Pablo on the ball, he picks that pass. We’re fortunate to have him at the football club. We’re fortunate to play with him and he’s able to do that.
“You know whenever he gets the ball he can come up with that bit of magic and it’s just a pinpoint pass. Pablo does that all the time. There’s probably no better player to have on the ball.”
After enjoying such an outstanding season last year, some would have been forgiven for wondering whether Hernandez could prove so influential again this term.
He is now 34 and had a direct hand in 24 goals last season. However, those concerns were alleviated within 26 minutes of the new season as he produced a masterclass at Bristol City.
And while he may have the odd off-night as he did against Brentford last week, there is no question that Hernandez, right now, looks to be as good as he has ever been for Leeds.
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