Leeds United youngster Tyler Roberts won himself more fanfare on Tuesday evening as Wales took victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League clash – the question is, with Kemar Roofe making a goalscoring return to Under 23 football, does he keep his place for us?
Securing a 1-0 victory to take the points at the Aviva Stadium, Roberts didn’t get on the scoresheet but he played a part in their win getting all 90 minutes under his belt.
Whilst Leeds have somewhat stuttered with Roberts leading the line, most fans appreciate the effort he’s put in given we’ve lacked Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford through injury and whilst the expectation is he’ll drop out to accommodate them when they return to full fitness, with the 19-year-olds stock continuing to rise, he isn’t going to fall far out of manager Marcelo Bielsa’s thoughts.
It’s more likely he’ll revert to his more normal wing slot and become more valid competition for those positions, whilst remaining an alternative option to lead the line when we need something a little different in games.
Tyler Roberts is better than Jesse Lingard
There is no sensible debate to the contrary
— Magician from Riga (@TalMikhailTal) October 16, 2018
I see Tyler Roberts played the whole game for Wales tonight . He must have done ok / well . Nice one Tyler lad ! ???? #MOT
— chris (@LeedsLoudHaler) October 16, 2018
I’m liking Tyler Roberts he’s learning a lot tonight playing up top, he’s got huge potential for the future ????????????????????????????
— RhysW???????????????????????????? ???????????? (@rhyswills26) October 16, 2018
Loving this Wilson/Brooks/Lawrence trio tonight, all capable of running at and beating defenders. Tyler Roberts has held the ball up well too. Future is very bright!
— Rhys Wertheim (@R_W_1_5) October 16, 2018
Roberts putting in a top shift for Wales. #lufc
— Joseph Brook (@JBSports_lufc) October 16, 2018
He's worked hard, be nice for him to bag one
— Richard Box (@richardboxy) October 16, 2018
Connor Roberts has made the right back position his now and kept McClean quiet, Tyler Roberts shall be a big player for us in years to come and great cameo from George Thomas despite missing a wonderful opportunity to finish the game off. Rodon and James hopefully next. ????????????????????????????
— Tom Powell (@tom_powell06) October 16, 2018
Great shift from @LUFC Tyler Roberts for @Cymru tonight as well, 19 and a great future after a bit of early stick at Elland Road, certainly won the crowd over.
— David Evans (@daicaprice) October 16, 2018
Very impressed with #TylerRoberts work rate this evening and willingness to work for his team. @LUFC could have a player on their hands here. Still a very young lad. #MOT #ALAW pic.twitter.com/RxEm9nu9hr
— JerseyWhiteLUFC (@JerseyLufc) October 16, 2018
With the youngster more comfortable in a variety of positions he also offers Bielsa the option to tweak the formation without needing a substitute in matches and that choice could become a key asset as Roberts develops further and grows as a player as even if on the wing, if he has the freedom to come more central at points when an opposition aren’t expecting it, I can only see the benefits of that.