Since first signing for Manchester United back in 2010, after an impressive World Cup campaign with his native Mexico, Javier Hernandez has been a player many fans of the Premier League could fail to forget. Whether it be through his excellent movement in the box, his uncanny ability to find the right place at the right time, or just his somewhat unique nickname, ‘Chicharito’ has found himself many genuine supporters throughout his time at Old Trafford.
His subsequent loan move to the Bernabeu indicates just how highly valued the Mexican really is, as with Carlo Ancelotti seeing fit to include him in a squad already boasting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, the quick-footed no. 14 really does deserve credit.
However, much of Hernandez’ praise has developed around his status as a ‘super-sub’ and an impact player from the bench. As every player wants to be starting games as a nailed on first choice asset, does Chicharito deserve more than his ‘super-sub’ status in club football, or is a place on the subs bench all Javier Hernandez can realistically expect these days?
In true reminiscent style of Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford, the £8million Mexican has developed a reputation with Manchester United for impacting his respective matches late on in the proceedings, rather than starting from the outset. Hernandez is capable of baffling somewhat tired defenders with his impressive runs, as well as displaying an often unmatched desire to get on the end of loose balls and seemingly fruitless passes.
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Many of his goals would come from unexpected scenarios, from which the former Guadalajara star would put the ball in the back of the net when most other onlookers thought the chance had gone. He is capable with scoring with either foot, has become very adept in his link-up play, and quite surprisingly for someone of his size, is able to leap up in the air a send the ball home with his head in real style.
The Mexican’s form has never been entirely consistent however, with some games passing him by without many even noticing his participation on the pitch. Yet as more often than not he would record a priceless goal for United, his seemingly little contribution often turned out to be very significant.
With the somewhat endless collection of world renown stars turning up at Old Trafford in recent years however, Javier Hernandez simply could no longer command a place in the starting XI, having to except his status as a ‘super-sub’ with very little choice. The same fate seems to have reached Chicharito at Real Madrid as well. Despite scoring four goals from almost as many starts in the Spanish campaign, most of the Manchester United loanee’s time at the Bernabeu has once again been spent warming the subs bench.
It seems that Carlo Ancelotti may have even recruited Hernandez simply for his role as an impact player, despite what may have initially been agreed between the two parties in the summer.
So then, with everything taken into account regarding Javier Hernandez’ role in club football, it seems that at the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, the substitutes bench is simply the best option available for the little Mexican. He will never be able to oust the likes of Ronaldo, Bale or Benzema, but maybe at a slightly smaller club where expectation and competition is not as intense, perhaps Hernandez may just find himself a new place to become a first team starter.
Until then however, the Chicharito we know is simply going to have to resume his role as Europe’s favourite ‘super-sub’ for now.
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