A few Leeds United fans have been reacting on social media after reports by the Yorkshire Evening Post claimed Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for Wales midfielder Tyler Roberts.
The boss called on Roberts to come off the bench during Saturday’s demolition of Hull City at the KCOM Stadium, with the youngster compiling on the Tigers’ misery with a late brace for his second and third goals of the league season.
Roberts has mostly been a rarely-seen member of our first-team picture this term as a result of frequent injuries, with the seven-cap talent needing fluid drained from his knee at the end of last season keeping him from our opening six Championship fixtures. He later suffered a hamstring issue in November and has not started in the league since.
But Bielsa could soon look to change Robert’s record, as the Argentine has been left with food for thought after the versatile youngster’s superb cameo against Hull.
Roberts – who can play at centre-forward as well as any attacking midfield role – was only on the field for 23 minutes on Saturday, though scored with each of his shots, won two of three ground duels, made two clearances, one tackle, one successful dribble (100%) and played six accurate passes, per Sofa Score.
Where should Roberts feature vs Huddersfield on Saturday?
Striker
Centre-mid
Wing
Bench
Bielsa is now contemplating a greater role for the Gloucester-born ace, who could provide top-scorer Patrick Bamford some welcome competition whilst Jean-Kevin Augustin comes to terms with the boss’ intense fitness demands.
“Clearly it is an option,” Bielsa said. “Tyler can play in this position. Normally we always have two players to fight for one position.
“He can be an option for Patrick and he also can be an option for [Mateusz] Klich or Pablo [Hernandez] as a playmaker.
“When one striker scores, of course that has a high value and after that, the manager considers this.”
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Bielsa’s potential plans for Roberts following his brace at Hull…
Nice to have options & competition for places all we need now is for big Kev to get fit would be icing on cake for last ten MOT.
— R.Cartwright 💙💛 (@rogercart57) March 2, 2020
Might be the bit of competition Bamford needs to take a few chances. Started Nketiah against West Brom and then Paddy came on and changed that game. All good 👍
— John Murray (@JohnMurLUFC) March 2, 2020
imo if Tyler is fully fit you start him 1 or 2 games for paddy on the bench i believe would do him wonders
— Jordan Townend (@GoOnGarySpeed) March 2, 2020
It will be the same 11 , but I think theres a greater likelihood of seeing Tyler earlier now , similar to Eddie earlier in the season , potentially even a full second half #lufc
— Mike (@mikeplear) March 2, 2020
As long as we win idc who plays/scores 😂😂
— OneMan Armystead 💙💛 (@1ManArmytstead) March 2, 2020
Aye true but we need a striker who can score for that ideally😂
— Connor Stewart (@Connor1Stewart) March 2, 2020
In other Leeds United news, a summer free agent has been tipped to earn a new contract at Elland Road.