The surprise Leeds United player Pablo Hernandez picked for speed when making his perfect footballer

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It has now been four years since Pablo Hernandez bid farewell to Leeds United and realistically, The Whites have struggled to replace the Spaniard’s magic in the time since his departure.

In just five seasons at Elland Road, Hernandez had a hand in a whopping 77 goals during his 175 games with Leeds. But that does not tell the whole story of his time in a Leeds United shirt from 2016 onwards.

Joining the club in a reunion between himself and Garry Monk, Hernandez immediately starred for what was a largely mediocre Leeds side that narrowly missed out on the Championship play-off positions.

But he became a crucial part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, proving age is just a number as he provided the attacking heartbeat in a side that won the 2019-20 Championship title, returning to the Premier League.

• READ MORE: Liverpool could make £45m move for player Leeds tried to sign for £15m in 2023

Pablo Hernandez created his perfect player with old teammates

Hernandez eventually left Leeds in 2021 after five years at Elland Road but remains a big Leeds fan. Hernandez thinks Leeds will get promoted this season, though his prediction came before recent form.

In 2024, Hernandez spoke to Diario Sport after taking part in a Masters Football event in Spain. He was asked to create his “perfect player” and when choosing a player for speed, he picked Jack Harrison.

Harrison of course, is closing in on the end of a second year’s loan at Everton and is due to return to Elland Road. There has been talk Harrison could reignite his Leeds spell, though MLS clubs are interested.

Who else did Pablo Hernandez pick to create perfect footballer?

Hernandez was asked to pick speed – to which he replied Harrison – as well as left foot, right foot, strength, heart and intelligence. For strength, he picked another old Leeds teammate in Kalvin Phillips.

The other choices highlighted just how successful a career Hernandez has enjoyed. Left foot saw him pick Juan Mata who is currently playing for the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia, as he approaches 37.

Right foot saw Hernandez pick David Villa, while heart was his former Valencia captain David Albelda. Man City icon David Silva, an old Valencia teammate, got intelligence which is hardly unsurprising.