Crackers
greasy ginfers
When I think of build-up play I think of someone like David Silva - there's no question he's a wonderful technician but for me his entire game is based around his vision, his combination play, his awareness, his teamplay. I think Hernández does that quite well these days. I absolutely didn't mean to suggest technique doesn't come into it however, not at all. The build-up for me is simply how a move builds up and how those involved contribute to it. When Hernández is playing he does try and advance the play and bring others into the game. Defoe either tries to create a chance for himself or tries to retain possession. He doesn't contribute positively to the build-up and creation of chances. Running the channels and creating space is part of it for me too - though I'd put that down to intelligent movement rather than effort, desire or determination. And he is good in wide positions.
At the end of the day as long as we can all agree that Hernández's all-round game has improved a lot from this time last year then I'm happy. The only issue for me has been whether people have been overlooking the work he's put into his game in the build-up. His touch is miles better than it was when he was really struggling for confidence last year like so:
For me Hernandez has really improve this year. As you said, I don't think Hernandez is the first person to think of when someone mentions "build up play" but I still I think he does have quite a lot of technique, in that he's talented as using the ball - his first touch in my opinion isn't great, but it doesn't take away from the fact that his technique, desire and movement have improved dramatically this year. He's not the first person to think of for build up play, but he still contributes a good bit.
He's been influential with his movement in that he's opening up space more and more this season, opposed to the style of just waiting on the end of a cross. Hernandez moves in a way to create chances, to bring the play forward.
I think the game vs Aston Villa this season is a clear example.7
Best example is from about 2 mins onwards.