Graham Smyth has been speaking on the latest edition of the Inside Elland Road podcast about all things Leeds United with Joe Urquhart.
One of the topics that Smyth spent some time discussing was Pablo Hernandez and the fact that he might be starting to feel frustrated this season.
The 35-year-old has made four appearances this term in the Premier League and has turned in a disappointing average rating of 6.11/10, as per WhoScored.
He hasn’t scored or provided an assist either and has also found himself brought on as a substitute on two of those occasions.
Smyth thinks that Hernandez might be starting to feel a bit frustrated with his standing in the squad.
He said: “Maybe there’s an element of frustration for Pablo in that Rodrigo has come in and has started to look very good in that number ten role.
“Maybe there’s just a bit of a change in Pablo’s place in the pecking order.
“Last season, he was the player that ran the show in the run-in – he came off the bench, scored important goals, set up important goals.
“He was of huge importance to Leeds, signed that new contract as well; the main man.
“Maybe [he’s] not quite as much the main man in the Premier League so far.”
Do you think Hernandez is frustrated with his standing in the squad?
No, there is nothing to worry about
Yes, he seems annoyed
TIF Thoughts on Hernandez and Smyth’s view of him…
Since June’s restart last season, the Spaniard scored three goals and provided three assists as the Whites sealed promotion to the Premier League, but he has struggled to perform so far this season.
He also suffered an injury that has kept him out for three league games, but he hasn’t performed in the games he has played.
Meanwhile, teammate Rodrigo has been played as an attacking midfielder or second striker on four occasions by Marcelo Bielsa.
During these four games, Hernandez was missing for two, but in the other two, against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, he came on as a substitute, so perhaps he is slipping down the pecking order as a result of Rodrigo’s arrival.
Smyth makes some interesting points, but it is very early into the season, and for that reason, we think it is hard to tell if the former Swansea City man is falling down the pecking order or not.