Leeds United Player of the Year Pablo Hernandez makes special award dedication

The Spanish wizard was recognised at the club's official awards ceremony at Elland Road last night.

His influence on the Whites' style of play and success was undoubted, creating more chances per game than any other player in the division and, in the crucial promotion run-in, he scored and made important goals. His strike in the 89th minute at Swansea was a pivotal moment in the season and the goal's significance was reflected in the emotionally charged celebrations.

He finished the season with nine goals and nine assists - three fewer of each than he managed in 2018/19, but having played 1,000 fewer minutes this time round due to injuries.

The award could have gone to any of several players at Elland Road, so good was Marcelo Bielsa's team in their title-winning season.

Ben White, who picked up Young Player of the Year, barely put a foot wrong in his Championship debut season after moving to Leeds on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Stuart Dallas, the Players' Player of the Year, showed versatility that matched his consistency, fitting in seamlessly at right-back, central midfield and left-back.

But it was evergreen 35-year-old Hernandez, who was managing a hamstring problem in the final stage of the season, who picked up the main award of the evening.

"It's amazing," he said.

"I think this year is very special for everybody. All the players deserve this award.

"For me, it's a very special but I think this is for all the players. All the players played amazing football this year, they deserved this, without them it's impossible for me."

Leeds' squad began their two-week holiday today as the Premier League start date was confirmed as September 12, giving the Whites seven weeks to get Premier League ready.