The wizardry of El Mago – A Leeds United legend

“It comes for Pablo Hernandez… and Pablo Hernandez, scores the goal for Leeds United!”

It was confirmed, on May 21st 2021, that Pablo Hernandez would leave Leeds United at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season.

Although his contract runs until 2022, the departure was something that many fans had already predicted would happen. Hernandez wasn’t getting any younger, and had been playing in a much more reduced role than he has done in previous years for Leeds. An exit was expected, but that didn’t make it any easier when the news finally broke.

In the same announcement, Leeds also confirmed that Gaetano Berardi would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract. Two long-serving icons of the club, exiting in the same breath. Not since the 2013 departure of Luciano Becchio have the supporters of Leeds United been so unified in their grief of losing a player (or two, in this case).

? #LUFC can confirm two more of our promotion heroes, Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez, will sadly leave at the end of the season

— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 21, 2021

Both Hernandez and Berardi have established themselves as legends in West Yorkshire. Their loyalty, pride and willingness to do everything they could for their side has etched them into the folklore of Elland Road. Berardi’s dedication to the club is admirable, so much so that it warrants an entire feature to itself. For now though, a look at the man known as El Mago.

Hernandez arrived in Leeds in the summer window of 2016, initially on a loan deal from Qatari side Al-Arabi. Despite being 31 at the time of his arrival, many were excited about the arrival of a creative force at Eland Road, given that there weren’t really any other such players at the time.

Pablo was one of Garry Monk’s first signings during his stint in the Leeds hot-seat. Looking back at the Monk’s reign, signing Hernandez was the best thing he ever did for the Whites by a country mile. Course, the remainder of his record includes dropping from the automatic promotion spots to seventh in a matter of mere weeks, and quitting after a dispute with (then) new owner Andrea Radrizzani, but that’s not the point.

Hernandez made an instant impact for Leeds, best evidenced in their 2-0 away win at Cardiff in September 2016. Disregarding the fact that he was a new addition to the side, Pablo shouldered the offensive responsibility of his team.

The ball came to him in the 82nd minute and, after shrugging off two Bluebird defenders, Hernandez curled his strike into the top right corner of the net, all in front of the relentlessly enthusiastic Leeds fans that sat behind the goal.

From there, fans were in perpetual awe of their Spanish maestro. Leeds’ attack was galvanised in his presence, and it wept in his rare absence. So much so, that the deal was made permanent six months into the season. In spite of Hernandez’s best efforts, he would see his side finish seventh, as aforementioned.

In their next campaign, Leeds slipped to 13th after the season collapsed in the second half. Although Pablo continued to better himself as a player despite his age, but that desire was never really mustered by the others around him. It was this season that, amongst a plethora of moments of individual brilliance, he scored a sublime chip over Allan McGregor in the Hull City goal, when the sides met in December 2017.

When Bielsa took over ahead of the 2018/19 season, it was clear that Pablo would continue to shine. How could he not? He had comfortably been the club’s best player for his entire duration there, and now he had a world-renowned manager guiding him.

There were times under Bielsa in the Championship where Pablo, and Pablo alone, captivated Elland Road. Those in attendance, or watching at home, were bewitched by his wizardry and enthralled by his flair. His ability on the ball, and the clear quality he possessed, was evident in every pass or shot he made. Pablo Hernandez forever maintained a certain aurora at Leeds United, his playmaking always feared by opponents.

As well as this, Pablo could score goals. Not just that, but each one felt like it meant something more, somehow. In the 4-0 thrashing of West Brom in January 2019, for example, Hernandez drew first blood after 17 seconds. He sent his strike thundering into the top corner and created one of the most electric atmospheres that Elland Road has ever seen.

Hernandez was, and still is, a figure for all of the good at Leeds United. He formed a bond with the fans through nothing more than his unwavering loyalty to the club, and represents the growth they have undergone. Despite his age, Hernandez could have easily been playing at a higher tier than the one Leeds limited him to for so long. Yet, he stayed.

Similar to seasons past, Bielsa’s first year at Leeds would see the Whites come as close as they could to their ultimate aim, without actually completing it. Seeking automatic promotion, Leeds would finish 3rd. They would enter the playoffs and face Derby County. Chances are, you know the rest.

Pablo’s face said it all, his eyes sunken and bloodshot from tears he had shed. He had given everything he could for his team, and they would still have to find another gear. His anguish alone should have been enough motivation for his teammates to earn promotion at the second time of asking. It was certainly enough for the fans to maintain that level of expectation.

Hernandez continued to showcase his talents throughout the following campaign, the 2019/20 season. Upon the season’s resumption following its suspension, Leeds lost their first game back, 2-0 to Cardiff. One loss was enough to send most fans into a state of disarray, the sense of deja vu from the year prior being a hard thing to stomach.

Pablo Hernandez, arguably literally as opposed to metaphorically, dragged his side to their eventual title. At 35 years old, Pablo was in the form of his life in the games after the season’s restart, contributing to six goals in the eight games he played.

These include his two assists in the final game against Charlton Athletic, a goal and assist in the 5-0 routing of Stoke City, and a goal against Derby as he wore the captains armband.

None of these, however, compare to the game at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea City.

The game was a cagey affair, and although Leeds looked likely to go up, nothing was certain. Until something is mathematically guaranteed, United fans often fear the worst, their pessimism instilled through years of lower league heartbreak.

Nothing was falling for either side. Chances came for both, as each were seeking to solidify their respective positions in the top six. By the 89th minute, there had only been a handful of shots on target in the entire game. It was then, that Luke Ayling drove up the right wing. After some quick interplay between himself and Helder Costa, he played the ball into the box.

The ball found the feet of Pablo Hernandez, who was positioned just ahead of Jack Harrison. He controlled the pass, turned, shot, and the ball sneaked in past Freddie Woodman.

What a moment. It was in that moment that every Leeds fan finally, finally, felt like they were truly going to be promoted to the Premier League. Bryn Law’s ecstasy on commentary, the emotion shown from the players and staff, and the jubilation of Pablo Hernandez, followed swiftly by a mobbing from his teammates. The goal, and the scorer, couldn’t have been more poetic.

With that goal, Hernandez had cemented an already concrete claim for legend status at Leeds United. It was fitting that the man who had fought for his team, for so long, had carried them once more. The difference this time, was that he was taking Leeds to the top flight.

By Bielsa’s own admission, Hernandez hasn’t had as many minutes in the Premier League as he should have. Even still, the midfielder has amassed a solid chunk of time on the pitch, which has seen him earn two impressive assists, both against Newcastle in the 5-2 victory for Leeds in December. He had a dream of guiding Leeds to the top, and he did just that.

For many younger fans, Pablo Hernandez is the first, genuine legend that they have witnessed playing for Leeds. He arrived at a time where Leeds were severely lacking any sort of direction, and he was one of the few to ride the rise they went on to have in its entirety.

It’ll be the little aspects of Pablo’s game that will be missed just as much as the man himself. The puff of the cheeks before he struck the ball, the audacious nutmegs, the kiss of the arms as he wheeled away in celebration. The number 19 shirt at Leeds will look very strange if ever it is worn by another.

In truth, there are too many magical moments to count. A five-year spell of Pablo Hernandez, and those who didn’t watch it all should be grievously envious of those who did. His arrival was the most influential one of the century so far for Leeds United. He had the calibre and expectations, and it was Leeds’ challenge to meet them. Eventually, they did.

Three successive player of the year awards, one Championship title, and countless special moments. Adios, El Mago.

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