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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
To suggest Pablo Hernandez is one of Leeds’ best players would probably be an understatement.
The Spaniard has been an imperious force in the Championship and after scoring 12 goals and contributing 12 assists last term, he will once again be crucial to their promotion hopes.
He’s come out of the blocks flying in 2019/20 too, and in just five matches has already been involved in four goals.
His form has once again been vital to Leeds’ unbeaten start in the Championship but they must be cautious.
It’s hard to deny Hernandez isn’t a fabulous footballer and his ability to pull the strings last season is evidence of that. However, at the age of 34, his fitness must now be managed carefully.
The former Swansea man missed eight matches in all competitions last season with a strain but there was the odd occasion where he didn’t perform up to the standard you’d perhaps expect.
That’s something that’s also happened this season in what was a pretty below-average display against Brentford.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men struggled for large parts of their meeting with the Bees and the fact Hernandez only registered one shot and one key pass, per WhoScored, sums that up.
In five outings so far this campaign, that’s the only game where he’s been substituted before the 80th minute and the only time he’s not had three efforts on goal or more.
His attacking threat is one of the best in this Leeds side but it is perhaps no coincidence that his worst display came in a midweek fixture.
At the age of 34, Leeds may be playing a dangerous game if they expect him to start three matches in a week on a regular basis.
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There were only five games last season where Hernandez failed to play 90 minutes and after a matter of a few weeks, he’s already had two outings this term that haven’t lasted the distance.
In 2018/19, things seemed to catch up with him midway through the term, claiming just one assist in ten games from 29th December to 26th February.
That’s effectively two months with just one goal contribution.
Perhaps to avoid something similar from replicating itself, Leeds will need to monitor him closely.
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