Neil Redfearn: This struggling Leeds ace is being targeted by opponents
By Dominic Toner
Neil Redefearn believes that Leeds playmaker Pablo Hernandez is being targeted by the opposition and that has caused him to become trapped in games.
The 31-year-old has been a regular feature in the starting line-up this season and played an important role in the club’s bid for promotion.
However, the attacking midfielder is often criticised for his away performances and his tendency to go missing in matches.
He has managed just one goal during 2017 and is struggling to make the desired impact for the Whites lately.
Ex-Leeds manager Redfearn feels that teams are doing their homework on Hernandez and that has caused his displays to drop considerably.
“I think other teams do their homework and what Pablo lacks is that dynamic turn of pace, or that physical attribute to get him about the pitch which makes him easy to trap,” Redfearn told Radio Yorkshire. “I think a lot of sides have done their homework and plonked someone on him, made it difficult for him and he has found it tough.”
“On the flip side I admire how he is always getting on the ball, always looks for the ball, always looks to make things happen. He gives Leeds something they are going to find difficult to replace.”
Hernandez has become a commonly used player by manager Garry Monk and has made 32 appearances across all competitions.
The 31-year-old worked with Monk at Swansea and has helped Leeds up to fifth in the Championship table.
He has manage four goals and supplied eight assists so far this season, and Is regarded as the most technically gifted player at Elland Road.
Hernandez has completed 90 minutes in the club’s last two games as they slipped to consecutive defeat to Brentford and Reading.
The Whites host Preston in their next game and are nervous of the five-point cushion they have in the play-off spots.
In other Leeds news, the club’s supporters have a message for Simon Grayson ahead of the Preston game.
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