During an interview with Football Insider, Danny Mills has predicted a January loan move for Tyler Roberts. The ex-Leeds United player believes that the Welshman needs regular game-time to be able to continue his progress, even if that means he will have to leave Elland Road.
“A young player like that needs a run of games. If you’re coming on for half-an-hour, half a game, you can always have a fabulous cameo and people go ‘oh, that’s decent’ but you need to see what he’s like for 90 minutes, 10 games in a row.
You do start to wonder, coming towards the transfer window, that isn’t too far away, that he might go out on loan and he’s more than likely to play week in, week out.”, Mills told Football Insider.
Tyler Roberts’ Struggles At Leeds United This Season
Following the arrival of star players like Rodrigo Moreno and Raphinha, Tyler Roberts was always going to have a difficult spell at Leeds United this season. It was, after all, combined with the return of both Jack Harrison and Helder Costa, who rejoined the club on a permanent deal this summer.
Rodrigo, in particular, has become a major stumbling block for Roberts in his path to becoming a key fixture in Marcelo Bielsa’s starting unit. The Spaniard, due to his productivity and ability to squeeze through tight spaces, has often been preferred ahead of other players in the number ten role.
To Roberts’ misfortune, Rodrigo’s absence over the past couple of matches due to Coronavirus was compensated by the return of Pablo Hernandez as well as the emergence of Jamie Shackleton. As a result, the Welshman has mustered just over 200 minutes of league football.
It is, however, fair to point out that Roberts himself has failed to impress the onlookers when he has been given the chances to perform. He has often appeared ineffective, providing very little productivity going forward.
A Loan Move Elsewhere Makes Sense
As we near the January transfer window, Leeds United need some changes in their roster despite a busy summer. The Whites desperately need an alternative for Kalvin Phillips, but they could also welcome the departure of few of their unwanted players including Roberts.
The 21-year-old is unlikely to make a breakthrough in the Leeds United first-team this campaign by getting the nod ahead of players like Rodrigo, Hernandez or Raphinha. Hence, a move away from Elland Road should make sense as it will allow the attacker to revive his career following a disappointing spell at the club.
Although it remains unlikely that Roberts will get any chances anywhere else in the Premier League, a move to Championship could still suffice as the English second division has recently become a breeding ground for young and talented British players.
For Leeds, Roberts’ departure could pave the way for more exciting individuals like Shackleton, whose style of play is better fitted to Bielsa’s tactical setup, to earn a more prominent role in the side. So this move could make sense for all parties involved.
