Leeds United-oriented journalist Beren Cross has recently been talking about Pablo Hernandez and his role at the club.
The LeedsLive reporter recently held a Q&A session on the outlet’s website and he was asked about Samuel Saiz and how Leeds can ‘potentially’ replace the Spaniard in the future.
Saiz had left Leeds in the summer of 2019 to join Spanish club Girona. Before that, he had spent a loan stint at another Spanish club in Getafe (via Transfermarkt).
When talking about how the Whites can replace Saiz, Cross revealed that Hernandez is the ‘nearest thing’ that the club has to Saiz at this point. He said that while he does prefer the former Swansea man in a wide position, but he ‘technically’ plays a role in the middle of the park.
He said: “When Saiz first left the club on loan, the talk inside was of Izzy Brown as the replacement when he eventually got over his knee problem. As we now know, that just took too long and in the end, he couldn’t turn Bielsa’s head enough to get a go in the side. Hernandez is the nearest thing we have to Saiz and technically plays that role in the middle, but I prefer him out wide.”
Do Leeds need a younger Saiz replacement than Hernandez?
Yes, absolutely
No, Hernandez can do the job
TIF Thoughts…
During his time at Elland Road, Saiz had contributed to 22 goals in 58 appearances for the club. 10 of them were goals, while 12 of them were assists (via Transfermarkt).
The Madrid-born player had usually played in the central areas for the Yorkshire club, but he had also played on the left thrice during his time at Leeds (via Transfermarkt).
Hernandez, who is valued at £1.08 million, is now 35 and has done well this season by directly contributing to 12 goals – 6 goals and six assists – in the Championship. But the Spaniard isn’t getting any younger with every passing day and he may not be the long-term replacement for Saiz.
While his current deal runs out in the summer of 2022 and he still has some time left on the contract, Leeds might need a younger option in their ranks very soon.