Marcelo Bielsa has moved to praise the performance of Pablo Hernandez in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Luton Town, with the Spaniard impressing on his return to the Leeds United starting line-up.  

Leeds have had to battle on without Hernandez fully fit since September 21st, with Bielsa holding the 34-year-old back to two cameo appearances prior to Saturday’s trip to Kenilworth Road.

However, on the back of a contract extension, Hernandez returned to the starting line-up on Saturday, as Patrick Bamford and an own goal from Matty Pearson forced a 2-1 win.

Hernandez wasn’t involved directly in either goal, but Bielsa was still pleased with the contribution of his returning winger.

“He played an important match for us,” Bielsa said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“He built offensive play in the right and in the centre. He was a positive return for him.” 

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It is a quick turnaround facing Leeds now, with the Whites back in action on Tuesday evening against Reading FC at the Madejski Stadium.

Bielsa has confirmed that the group of players heading to Berkshire will be unchanged, although Liam Cooper has a chance of coming back into the starting line-up for the Whites.

Leeds haven’t tasted defeat since October 5th, with Bielsa’s side now six unbeaten, which includes three consecutive victories.

The Verdict

Hernandez is such a key player for Leeds and they look much more threatening with him on the right than someone like Helder Costa.

Options are vital, but as Bielsa mentions here, Hernandez plays an important role for the side in his ‘false 7’ position.

If he maintains these fitness levels, expect to see him back as a regular feature in the side.

Thoughts? Let us know!