Leeds United’s dream run under iconic Marcelo Bielsa has suffered a significant stumble in recent weeks. The league leaders of the first couple of months have now dropped to the third spot of Championship standings having managed to win only twice in past seven encounters. Injuries have derailed their campaign to some extent, but the gaffer is trying his best to find a way out banking on prodigies with great potential but little exposure.
Tyler Roberts, the 19-year-old former West Bromwich Albion attacker, is indeed one of them who has been benefitted immensely following the injury absence of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford – the Whites’ prime centre-forward options. Their unavailability has allowed him sufficient senior minutes to flourish as a Championship player, and the teenager has mostly justified his inclusion in the team barring a few occasions. He netted a brace against Preston North End and also scored the solitary goal of the game versus Hull City to claim victories but struggled to bring in consistency to his game. However, that is entirely understandable considering his age, therefore, lack of experience at a senior level.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, the former Chelsea great and Leeds United striking sensation has addressed the same in a recent analysis but, at the same time, lauded his impact and asked for patience to see the best of Roberts in the near future.
“He knows how to play in combinations and leads the line really well. But you need to give him time. He will have games where you won’t see and him and he will have games where he will be exceptional. But that’s a young player and you need to give him time to grow. He’s definitely somebody who’s doing a lot better than people thought that he would.”
The Dutchman who scored 42 goals in 87 Premier League games in his two seasons in West Yorkshire, has been apt with his analysis here. Roberts had a difficult start to his Leeds career with injury nightmares but is now leading the line and has undoubtedly made an impact exhibiting his technical traits even if the outcome has not reflected his hard work all the time.
The youngster was never a prolific ‘number 9’ and grew up as a wide attacker in the youth ranks of the Baggies. Yet he has contributed his level best upfront as a lone forward and should be extolled for his excellence before making way for Kemar Roofe who is tipped to return to action when the Championship would resume upon completion of the upcoming international break.
Roberts, the Wales international, was handed his senior debut last month and received a call-up again having impressed gaffer Ryan Giggs with his bright display of late. The player has indubitably made significant strides in recent months but needs to remain focused and keep up the excellent work to ensure a long-term future at Elland Road.
