'Leeds United's best player' - celebrate former Valencia and Swansea City wizard Pablo Hernandez

Pablo Hernandez is Leeds United’s best football player, according to Leeds United football players.
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The Spanish wizard has been thrilling Whites supporters, players and coaches alike with his skill, trickery and vision since his arrival in 2016 and the YEP have decided to dedicate today’s Leeds United pages - in print and online - to the former Valencia midfielder.

There is no coincidence that, when asked, the other Leeds players all name-check Hernandez as the most talented at the club.

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His ability to see things that no one else sees and make things happen that no one else can are as appreciated at Thorp Arch as his work ethic and professionalism.

WIZARD: Pablo Hernandez is regarded as the players' player at Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.WIZARD: Pablo Hernandez is regarded as the players' player at Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.
WIZARD: Pablo Hernandez is regarded as the players' player at Leeds United. Pic: Bruce Rollinson.

“He comes in in pre-season and he’s one of the fittest in the team,” said Kalvin Phillips, one of a number of players who admit their first thought when they win the ball is often just to give it straight to Hernandez.

“There’s probably no better player to have on the ball,” said Stuart Dallas.

“Talent-wise, nobody comes close to him,” added Luke Ayling.

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But perhaps the greatest compliment paid to the 34-year-old, who celebrates his birthday next month, came from the lips of Marcelo Bielsa, who as boss of the Argentine and Chilean national teams, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille has worked with some truly world-class talent.

GOAL: Pablo Hernandez scoring at Hull City for Leeds United. Pic: Tony Johnson.GOAL: Pablo Hernandez scoring at Hull City for Leeds United. Pic: Tony Johnson.
GOAL: Pablo Hernandez scoring at Hull City for Leeds United. Pic: Tony Johnson.

“I think he can make me a better coach – he is one of the best players in his position I have worked with in my career,” said the Whites head coach, who is not a man prone to hyperbole.

One thing many point out about Hernandez is that he is a man of few words, he is to quote Bielsa once again, a ‘silent leader.’

So today’s YEP will shout about the contribution he has made to the city’s team and the lives of thousands of Leeds United supporters, who can get involved by tweeting their favourite Hernandez moments to @grahamsmyth with the hashtag #pabloday or by emailing [email protected]

Pablo Hernandez, as the song goes, plays for United. And everyone at Elland Road is all the better for it.