Former Stoke City manager Nathan Jones has stated who he thinks is vital to Leeds United's promotion chances this season.

Jones expressed that he thinks Pablo Hernandez is important to their chances this season, and that he must stay fit as he has that bit of quality that the team needs.

Hernandez was excellent on Saturday as Leeds overcome a resilient Reading side. The Spanish winger netted the only goal of the game as he poked the ball past Rafael Cabral midway through the second-half.

Leeds are now five points clear of third placed Fulham, and there is now a real opportunity to get to the Premier League with 12 games of the season remaining.

Jones has expressed that he has to stay fit for the remainder of the season, as he is the player that can pull something out of nothing.

Speaking on EFL on Quest, Jones said: "Hernandez is the one that can give them something out of nothing. As their talisman, he’s got a real bit of quality, a bit of guile, and it’s vital he stays fit and plays games."

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The Verdict

It's interesting to hear Jones talk about the Spaniard but you can't help but agree with the manager as Hernandez has been so imperative for this Leeds side.

When he's not playing they look worse, and they'll need him even more from a leadership point of view due to Kalvin Phillips' injury.

There's going to be a lot to play for in the next few games and there's no reason why they can't go on and finally get to the Premier League.

Leeds take on Middlesbrough next, and that could be another huge three points for Bielsa's side in the race for promotion.