Pablo Hernandez casts verdict over Tyler Roberts potential, Helder Costa competition and his love of Leeds United

Pablo Hernandez believes Tyler Roberts can be a big player for Leeds United in the coming years and has welcomed competition from Helder Costa.

The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a new two-year contract at Elland Road earlier this week as he committed to the Whites until the summer of 2022.

Hernandez missed six weeks of action up until his return to the matchday squad against Queens Park Rangers earlier this month.

The Spaniard has seen Roberts jump into the starting line-up in his absence while summer signing Helder Costa is also showing a strong run of form which has seen him take up a spot on Marcelo Bielsa's bench since his exit from the treatment room.

“Everybody's seen that Tyler has big potential," Hernandez said.

"He's young and I think he's improved over the last month. I think he has a good future here at Leeds. He plays for his national team and it's not easy to do that.

“I think he's a great player who has good skills and I think he can play for Leeds United for many years, hopefully in the Premier League.

Asked about his battle with Costa for a starting berth, he added: "We have great players in the squad. I think this is good for the team.

“In one respect it's good when it's hard for the players to be in the starting XI because it's a signal that we have great players.

"It encourages people to improve because we know if we want to be in the starting XI we need to push and work hard. That's good for the team."

Hernandez joined the club at the start of the 2016/17 campaign o loan before making his move permanent and has struck up a strong relationship with the Whites faithful.

His skill, craft and style of play saw him quickly become a fan favourite and the feeling is very much mutual for the playmaker in West Yorkshire.

"I feel the fans love me and for me this is an extra motivation," Hernandez continued.

"I can just do one thing and this is to give 100 per cent every day. I try to give every game and every day in the training ground because I think the club and the fans deserve this.

"When I came here I knew the club was big but it is still a surprise when I know more things.

"I know the history and the fans. Not just in England but around the world. In the summer when we went to Australia we had a lot of fans there.

"It's an amazing feeling when you play for this type of club. It's a big club in England and around the world.

"This club deserves to play in the Premier League and we try to help to come back there."