Marcelo Bielsa hails "deserved" Leeds United deal for Premier League class Pablo Hernandez

Marcelo Bielsa has hailed Pablo Hernandez’s new Leeds United contract as “deserved” believing he has Premier League quality.

The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Elland Road, which will keep him in West Yorkshire until the summer of 2022.

Hernandez played a pivotal role in the Whites promotion push last term under the Argentine as he bagged 12 goals and 12 assists in a stunning campaign.

The Spaniard arrived in LS11 on an initial loan deal at the start of the 2016/17 campaign before later making his move to the club permanent under former boss Garry Monk.

He has made over 130 appearances for the club so far, bagging 29 goals in the process.

United’s playmaker has been sidelined in recent months but has now returned to the senior matchday squad in the last few weeks and was part of the development side who defeat Barnsley on Monday.

Hernandez admitted that last season was one of the best in his career, despite Leeds falling short in their quest to end a 15-year absence from the top flight.

He has enjoyed a glittering career thus far, which has spanned La Liga, the Premier League and the Spanish national team.

Bielsa, though, is aiming to guide United back to the promised land this term and believes Hernandez still has a lot to offer if he was to get a second look at England’s elite.

“The extension of the contract is deserved,” Bielsa said.

“He has a big impact around the team, everyone values him and he is respected by his teammates.

“If Pablo had to play in the Premier League, tomorrow he could do it with no problem.

“He has a very good level of performance, he is very competitive, and he competes well with all of the players in our squad.

“Pablo has shown he is able to play at this age and play at a high level, he is very professional.”

Asked if he could still play in the top flight, Hernandez said: “Yes, obviously it is a tough league.

“I’ve played in this league before, and in the Spanish league.

“I know it is difficult because it is a big league. We have lots of players in the squad who could.

“I feel good now. I feel young, and I know I am ready to play.”