Marcelo Bielsa has identified Pablo Hernandez as the one Leeds United star that Jack Clarke must learn from.
The 18-year-old has been causing quite a stir since making his breakthrough into the first team with his debut at the beginning of October, and even set up Hernandez for the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 Yorkshire derby victory over Sheffield United.
According to his manager, as quoted in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Clarke would do well to study the 33-year-old’s game.
He said:“Hernandez has many details Clarke can learn only by looking at him.
“What Pablo does you can’t teach in the game.”
Hernandez too has been full of praise for his young teammate.
He said: “He (Clarke) has a lot of quality and I think he has a good future with this club.
“He can be a big player in the future for Leeds United and he gives us different things on the pitch, on the wing and on both wings.
“He’ll have more opportunities this season and the young players are important for us. They bring some positive things to the team.”
OPINION
Jack Clarke is in the ideal position to really flourish at Leeds United this season. Marcelo Bielsa will be patient and cautious with him, and that is exactly what the young man will need to develop his game in a natural, and ultimately more beneficial way. The fact that he is away from the glare of the Premier League will also be a massive advantage for him, and don’t be surprised if, as the season progresses, he gets stronger and stronger as his opportunities begin to mount up. Already he has made good on the chances given to him, and his impact on Saturday, albeit from a goalkeeping blunder was vital. His manager is right to point to Hernandez as a mentor. Even at the age of 33 he is one of Leeds’ most dangerous performers, and his mix of flair and end product is something that any young player could do well to learn from.