Juventus have their Ronaldo; Barcelona has their Messi. Manchester City has their De Bruyne; Liverpool has their Mo Salah. Leeds United have their Pablo Hernandez – that is all.
Quite simply put, and you can add in the short-term stay of Samu Saiz into this, Pablo Hernandez is THE MOST influential and skilful player to have graced Leeds United in recent years. When you look at him and take into account his age, he’s head-and-shoulders above anyone else at the club.
Since signing on from Qatari side Al Arabi, Hernandez has played with metronymic consistency for the Whites. He’s featured in 122 games that have returned 27 goals and 30 assists. Last season was a stand-out season for the two-time Whites Player of the Year as he rattled in 12 goals and provided 12 assists.
In fairness, you’d probably get close to the unanimity of views from Leeds United fans on the importance of Pablo to the side – and that’s as rare as hens’ teeth is that. Full-on agreement between Leeds United fans is both rare and to be savoured.
But it was magician Pablo who came to the rescue today with a last-gasp winner against Western Sydney Wanderers. Rolling back the years, he drifted in from the right, beat a host of defenders and curled a left-foot shot beyond the keeper’s despairing dive and into the top corner.
🔥 New season, same Pablo! pic.twitter.com/fBOyFpHIok
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 20, 2019
It was the clichéd last meaningful kick of the game and brought a successful curtain down on the Whites two-game Australia tour. It was a goal that many Leeds fans clamoured to comment about on Twitter. Here’s what some fans said in response to Pablo’s goal.
Pablo magic snatches friendly win – Whites fans comment
MOTM Hernandez scores an absolute worldy. The wizard is back!
— FOREVER LEEDS 🇺🇦 (@FOREVERLEEDSMOT) July 20, 2019
Just seen that Hernandez goal back. Ridiculous. Beats four men and sticks it in the top bin. #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) July 20, 2019
What a fantastic goal #Hernandez
— Phil (@Fil1966) July 20, 2019
Big fan of 34 year old Pablo Hernandez ghosting past about 15 men in the 94th minute.
— Matty 🎮 (@lufc8918) July 20, 2019
Pablo Hernandez is simply another level. Sensational individual goal. Cherish these days that we are incredibly fortunate to have him. 🔥🔥🙌
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) July 20, 2019
Tactic for this season at #LUFC:
Give the ball to Pablo Hernandez.
— MoxcowhiteTSB (@MoscowhiteTSB) July 20, 2019
I don’t want to live in a world without Pablo Hernandez #lufc
— MrPaulRobinson (@MrPaulRobinson) July 20, 2019
https://twitter.com/mrliamstorey/status/1152537618321686528
https://twitter.com/LukeFazz24_/status/1152563443121172480
Lionel Messi has posters of Pablo Hernandez in his wall #LUFC pic.twitter.com/iClehrIYro
— FPL King Coops🏆 (@FPLKingCoops) July 20, 2019
