A few Leeds United fans have been defending Pablo Hernandez’s position as the best player in the Championship, amid a debate on the merits of West Bromwich Albion’s Matheus Pereira.
Fans of clubs from around the second-tier have been sharing their views on social media of who is the better player between Hernandez and Pereira, as the 23-year-old West Brom star is enjoying a tremendous season at the Hawthorns.
Hernandez, though, has long been hailed for his talents, and supporters were left shocked earlier in the year when he was omitted from the EFL’s 2018/19 Team of the Year. The Spaniard did, however, see his name included in the PFA’s side.
But this season has not seen Hernandez thrive as well as he did a year ago, with the £19,000-per-week veteran playmaker only able to boast two goals and three assists in 13 league games.
The four-time Spain international has also not scored in the league since the second week of the campaign, and only brought an end to his seven game wait for another assist as we beat Middlesbrough 4-0 on Saturday.
Pereira, meanwhile, has struck four goals and penned seven assists in 17 Championship appearances this term, and is averaging 2.5 key passes per 90 minutes, plus 2.1 shots, 1.3 successful dribbles, 1.5 tackles, and 1.0 blocks, according to data collected by WhoScored.
Hernandez is currently averaging 2.7 key passes per 90, plus 2.6 shots, 1.3 successful dribbles, 2.0 tackles, and 1.1 blocks at the age of 34.
Who is better?
Hernandez
Pereira
Here are some of the messages shared as fans defended Hernandez’s position…
Pablo Hernandez
All day long! however I thought Matheus Pereira was absolutely class at Elland Road earlier in the season! 2 players making the championship a pleasure to watch! #lufc #wba— 🄲🄷🄾🄿🅂🅈 (@OfficialChops) December 3, 2019
Hernandez is 35? He’s still in the debate for the best in the league at that age so what does that say?
— Matty Carlton (@MattyJC9900) December 3, 2019
This season Pereira has been in top 5 players in the league, but as a player based on ability Hernandez is the best in the division
— Alex Farnell (@AlexFarnell09) December 3, 2019
Periera is quality but people need to remember Pablo is approaching 35 years old! 😂 way past his peak and still stands out as one of the top playmakers in the league. Be interesting to see where Periera ends up though (will he go to a top european club or be capped for Brazil).
— Shaun (@LUFC1992_) December 3, 2019
Debate? Not really
— Joel Ashley (@JoelAshley1992) December 3, 2019
Very different and tough to compare. Hernandez is the brain and Pereira the legs. Both can do things the other can’t. Rate both and anybody who thinks this is an easy decision is kidding themselves.
— Robert Hardy 💙💛 (@mightywrites) December 3, 2019
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