Loads of Leeds United fans have been ripping into Pablo Hernandez on social media, after his display at Reading on Tuesday night left some supporters calling for the “real” Spaniard to return.
Hernandez made his second successive start when featuring at the Madejski Stadium, after two substitute appearances upon his return from a collection of muscle and hamstring issues that kept him out of six Championship matches.
The £1.8million-rated midfielder is still waiting for his first assist since creating the first goal in our 3-0 win over Stoke City on August 24, though, and has not found the back of the net himself since opening the scoring in our 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on matchday two.
By the 18 game mark of last season, Hernandez had already scored six times and registered five assists, despite missing seven matches through a strain, as he went on to end the term with 12 goals and 12 assists to his name.
Fans felt that Hernandez’s efforts at Reading were among the worst of any Leeds player featuring at the Madejski Stadium, with Marcelo Bielsa potentially wrong not to haul the 34-year-old off.
Hernandez had attempted the joint-second-most shots of any Whites player on Tuesday night with three – only Stuart Dallas (6) attempted more – although neither of the veteran’s efforts managed to find the target, per WhoScored figures.
The former Valencia and Swansea City star also only played one key pass and found teammates with 76% of his total 75 passes, of which five were long balls and only two of those connected with a teammate, while also only delivering one cross from the right-wing.
Hernandez failed to complete any dribbles at the Madejski Stadium, as well, but offered a slight defensive presence with two tackles, one interception and blocked one shot.
How would you rate Hernandez's performance vs Reading?
Man of the Match
Solid, but not perfect
Slightly concerning
Absolutely awful
Here are some of the messages shared on Hernandez’s performance against Reading…
Hernandez has been shocking ????♂️ #lufc
— Liam (@Liamdestroyer39) November 26, 2019
I know he needs to get back in form, but Hernandez has been dreadful. Shouldnt still be on the pitch. #lufc
— M@ (@Konstantine1111) November 26, 2019
I want the real Pablo Hernandez back #lufc
— Matt (@brianenoschinos) November 26, 2019
Leeds creative players not at it enough today. Hernandez a bit sloppy by his standards. Roberts/Klich not up to a lot before being subbed. #lufc #MOT
— Through It All Together (@ThruItAllLUFC) November 26, 2019
No creativity this game, Hernandez has been very poor for his standards #lufc
— Burny (@Aaronburnside) November 26, 2019
I love Hernandez as much as any Leeds fan but bielsa never seems to sub him off when he’s having a bad game
— Ben Lufc (@lufc_cheetham_b) November 26, 2019
Hernandez having a shocker tonight #lufc
— Nick Carlin (@Nicklufc801) November 26, 2019
Bad night at the office this.
Hernandez has been well off the pace too, Dallas been our main threat
Alioski has added a bit of urgency and looks up for it #lufc— Daz Midgley (@omicdaz) November 26, 2019
Hernandez and Klich worst players tonight. I think that Klich needs to take a break. #lufc
— Leeds United Balkan (@LeedsUtdBalkan) November 26, 2019