A report from Sky Sports has detailed the major issue facing Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom as he attempts to fit both Samuel Saiz and Pablo Hernandez in the same starting XI.
The Whites travel to Derby County on Wednesday night for a Championship clash as manager Heckingbottom prepares for just his third game in charge since taking the position at Elland Road.
Leeds will be boosted by the return of attacking maestro Saiz as he is available again after serving a six-game ban.
Meanwhile, creative playmaker Hernandez has thrived during his absence and already looked a standout player under the new manager.
Sky Sports’ latest report has raised the problem of how the two creative forces can be slotted into the same starting XI.
“Saiz’s suspension is now over but there are question marks about where he will fit into Heckingbottom’s side,” Sky’s report detailed.
“The new Leeds boss went 4-3-3 against Sheffield United and 4-4-2 against Bristol City; both systems that would struggle to fit in two playmakers.
“If Leeds are to make enough chances in games, it’s clear they need to find a way to get Hernandez and Saiz on the pitch at the same time. It’s now up to Heckingbottom to do just that.”
OPINION
Leeds are eight points adrift of the play-offs and need their two best attacking threats playing if they are to make the top six. Saiz and Hernandez are certainly the best two technical fotballers at Elland Road and have the ability to unlock defences. Heckingbottom must find a solution that can work for both players and may need to compromise on a formation. Saiz is returning from a suspension with a point to prove and he was one of the Championship’s standout players in the first half of the season. Meanwhile, Hernandez is the experienced head in the XI and is still proving he can rip apart the league with his incredible vision.