Lee Dixon: The 'Little Pea' can be bigger than Ronaldo, and he might just win the title for United

The Weekend Dossier

Saturday 14 August 2010 00:00 BST

(REUTERS)

The Community Shield may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but there was one thing it made abundantly clear. Javier Hernandez has the ability to be better than Ronaldo.

The United fans went mad when he came on against Chelsea, such was the expectation, and they were not disappointed. He has got it all.

Last weekend Hernandez was up against one of the most experienced defenders in the game in John Terry and the Chelsea man needed to call on all his wiles to stop himself being run ragged. At 22 Hernandez is still a young player and has never played at this ultra-competitive level before, but I don't see that being a problem. He was excellent in the World Cup and at Wembley last weekend his movement was exceptional.

When I watched the game back to do the analysis you could see the look on JT's face – there were times when he was just hanging on. Hernandez was always trying to drag Terry out of position and the only reason he did not have a greater impact on the game was simply because he did not get the ball that much. He is still learning to play alongside his new team-mates and vice versa, but I don't think that will take long. He seems likely to start the season on the bench, certainly against Newcastle on Monday after his long journey back to England from Mexico, but he can make a real impact. He's quick, his movement is exceptional, he is not afraid to take people on and he can score goals – he scored against Spain this week.

In the old days – when defenders were allowed to tackle – you could have got tight on him, but now the advantage is so much in the forwards' favour that it will suit Hernandez down to the ground. As long as he can settle off the field, then he can be a star. Cesc Fabregas suffered with homesickness when he first came to this country, but Hernandez is significantly older.

The Mexican's arrival – at £7m he is an absolute bargain – is one of the reasons I put United marginally ahead of Chelsea for the title (although with the transfer window still open I reserve the right to revisit my predictions in a couple of weeks!). Paul Scholes is another. In Lampard, Essien and Mikel he was playing against three tough opponents last weekend and he ran the show. It is his awareness that stands out and – this might sound odd – his ability to stand still. He is adept at finding space early and then waiting, not constantly rushing all over the place. Watch him for five minutes in a game and you will see what I mean, how long he spends walking or standing with his hands on his hips. He plays so much of the game with his brain and has worked out where he needs to be.

It promises to be more competitive overall this season, even if Aston Villa are currently in turmoil. Tottenham were brilliant last season, Manchester City are much stronger now and Everton have the potential to break into the top four.

David Moyes's side have a really good chance of being this season's Tottenham. They finished the last one really well and have managed to keep hold of Mikel Arteta, which is crucial, as he and Steven Pienaar offer a real creative force. In the 19-year-old Jack Rodwell they have the outstanding young English player in the league. I watched him play for the Under-21s in midweek and he looked as if he was a 14-year-old playing in an Under-11 side. He had the ability and vision to see things a lot quicker than anyone else on the pitch, in an absolutely different class, and I'm expecting a lot from him this season.

There is only so long you can build for – there has to come a time when it finishes and you suspect this has to be it for Arsène Wenger. I have never heard him question his own position as he has done of late. This is a massive season for him. If Arsenal have a major flop this year then he may seriously ponder his position. I like the look of Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh, who has looked good in pre-season, brings something different. They have a better squad than last season, but I am still not 100 per cent convinced.

You can see the top seven or so sides all taking points off each other and that should keep the season going all the way through. It also means that a good start to the campaign matters. But the start is complicated by the transfer window. In fact the comings and goings of the next couple of weeks – particularly with City involved – could still have a telling impact.

The Lee Dixon Briefing

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City

Dixon's verdict: It is such a big season for both clubs. Tottenham have to avoid that second-season syndrome, while Roberto Mancini is under massive pressure to deliver for Manchester City.

Kick-off: Today, 12.45pm (Sky Sports 3; Highlights BBC1, 10.30pm)

Prediction: Home win

Aston Villa vs West Ham United

Dixon's verdict: Martin O'Neill's departure was a huge shock and the players can't help but be affected – and then it will take time when the new man is installed. It would be good to see West Ham finally sort things out.

Kick-off: Today, 3pm (Setanta Ireland; Highlights BBC1, 10.30pm)

Prediction: Draw

Blackburn Rovers vs Everton

Dixon's verdict: I like David Moyes and I like his philosophy on the game. If Everton, who have strength in midfield, are to live up to my prediction of threatening the top four they need to win at Blackburn.