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Danny Higginbotham reacts to Pablo Hernandez display in Leeds win
Danny Higginbotham that Pablo Hernandez was brilliant in the 3-1 win as he named the Spaniard as his man of the match.
Hernandez was one of the beneficiaries as Marcelo Bielsa made seven changes for the trip to Pride Park. The 35-year-old was handed the chance to make his first start since the season’s resumption.
He had already staked a more than worthy claim for a start in the games leading up to Leeds’s promotion. But he certainly vindicated Bielsa’s decision as the Whites came from behind to secure another three points.
Hernandez scored Leeds’s equaliser. And he looked to be dictating the game all over the pitch as the visitors celebrated their title win in some style.
And just before full-time, Higginbotham insisted that he could not praise Hernandez’s performance higher as he was asked to name his man of the match.
“He’s been brilliant,” . “I think he’s grown into the game as he’s gone along. But what he’s done, he’s used his intelligence so well. He’s had the presence of mind to drop deeper when needs be.
“But what’s interesting to watch is that every time he gets on the ball, it’s the ultimate trust he has from the players around him because they’re all making their moves knowing that he can find them whether it’s short of long. Once again, a great performance.”
TBR View: Hernandez cannot be written off ahead of Leeds’s promotion
Hernandez’s form since the restart has been remarkable. He has scored three goals and contributed two assists since returning from injury for the 3-0 win against Fulham.
He stepped up when Leeds kept coming under pressure from their promotion rivals. And that is why it will be foolish to write Hernandez off ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
He may now be in the twilight of his career. But most Leeds fans would surely argue that they have rarely seen Hernandez performing better.