Opinion: Pablo Hernandez pushing for a start against Sheffield United

Leeds United playmaker Pablo Hernandez produced a brilliant performance against Leicester City on Tuesday night during the 3-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup.

Thomas Christiansen’s men showed a superb performance against the Premier League side and the 32-year-old was the real driving force behind their spirited performance.

Hernandez scored or the Yorkshire giants in the loss with a stunning long-range striker and looked a real threat in the final third to the opposition.

Hernandez has now left manager Christiansen with a huge selection ultimatum ahead of Friday night. Leeds host rivals Sheffield United in a huge Championship clash as fourth play third at Elland Road and the manager has a big decision to make over his team selection.

He has been in and out of the Leeds side, but should feel he has done enough to keep his position in the starting XI against Sheffield United after his superb performance against the Foxes.

However, the Whites ran out impressive 3-0 winners against Bristol City in the last league clash and he was not part of the squad.

Christiansen should leave at least one player furious by leaving them out of a massive fixture with Sheffield United and it could be Hernandez if he is axed after his influential display on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, the likes of Ezgjan Alioski, Kalvin Phillips, Ronaldo Vieira and Eunan O’Kane could be left speechless if they are omitted from the side despite their efforts against Bristol City.

Christiansen does appear to be a strong man-manager and knows he can only pick 11 players, but someone will be left a bitter pill to swallow when the team sheet is announced for Sheffield United.