Craig Scott

Sun 19 July 2020 20:00, UK

Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has been singing the praises of Leeds United star Pablo Hernandez after he scored in the 3-1 win over Derby County at Pride Park on Sunday.

Hernandez, 35, bagged his ninth goal of the season when he slotted home in the 56th minute as he scored for a third match in a row for the Whites.

It took two bites at the cherry for Hernandez to eventually find the back of the net but Hinchcliffe was impressed by the Spaniard’s movement and composure in the penalty area.

“Absolutely brilliant,” said Hinchcliffe on Sky Sports Football after Hernandez scored. “The build-up is wonderful as well because he’s running forward and [Chris] Martin’s tracking him.

“But then he takes up another position and he drifts off. You think he’s going to hit it first time there but the ball falls back to him and take nothing away from the finish. It’s an outstanding finish.

“He’s not trying to hit the ball as hard as he can. He’s just gone about placement.”

Hinchcliffe added: “As I said previously, Hernandez is a special talent for assisting and scoring goals.”

Hernandez certainly is a special talent.

He scored been directly involved in 16 goals in his 35 Championship appearances this season and has played a massive role for the Whites ever since the restart.

It says a lot that Leeds have won just three of their 10 league matches without the former Spain international this season – he really is the most important player at the club.

Hernandez has undoubtedly been Leeds’ best player since their relegation from the Premier League 16 years ago and we cannot wait to see how the Spaniard can step up to the top-flight next term.

He’s 35-years-old now and there are bound to be some people who are not affiliated with Leeds who doubt him.

But we Leeds fans are fully behind Hernandez and Marcelo Bielsa if he decides to play the former Valencia star or not.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites might pursue this Southampton goalkeeper in the summer.