Leeds United youngster Tyler Roberts was back in action for Wales on Friday night as they hosted Denmark for their latest Nations League game.
The Welsh lost out 2-1 on the evening and Roberts didn’t do a great job trying to lead the line in what was only his second international start and although some Welsh fans were more than happy to lay the blame at his feet, plenty more it seems felt that manager Ryan Giggs had effectively hung him out to dry against the Danes and tactically he got it wrong on the night given Roberts is still adjusting to the international level.
In fairness, I wasn’t watching the match but the 19-year-old apparently only had 27 touches of the ball, registering only two shots on target, but plenty were happy to comment on the lack of proper service he received so felt it was unfair to be too judgemental on his efforts.
We have some superb young talent but our spine of Hennessy, Williams, Allen and Bale have been together for 8 years & yet Giggs puts Bale on left/right instead of thorough the middle where he made a much greater impact after 70 mins? Felt sorry for Tyler Roberts tonight.
— Mark D (@Atticus_75) November 17, 2018
He was left too isolated and with no service yet fans want to slate a 19 year old talent what about wales great togetherness shocking from some fans
— Paul riches (@Paulriches9) November 17, 2018
#WALDEN Giggs clueless last night. An isolated Tyler Roberts, a slow ponderous Ramsey deep, Bale unable to make a consistent contribution and ended up with 4 identical midfielders on pitch with Ampadouwho could have made a difference in defence. Naive frustrating and mystifying.
— Graham Jones (@Gram2086) November 17, 2018
Some thoughts on how Giggs uses Tyler Roberts, in which I don’t even mention the elephant in the room that is Ethan Ampadu and how he absolutely has to play at the base of the midfield. pic.twitter.com/eLAlZQR7BA
— Huw Davies (@thehuwdavies) November 16, 2018
Too many idiots jumping on Tyler Roberts’ back, give the lad a chance ffs.
Giggs is the one who should be scrutinised for that performance, his inexperience showed again.— Rhys Morris (@RhysMorris) November 16, 2018
Feel sorry for tyler roberts .isolated up against class defenders. Giggs tactical awareness lacking.
— Janet Morgan-Davies (@JanetMorganDav1) November 16, 2018
Tyler Roberts is very young, very lightweight, and shouldn’t have started a game of such importance like tonight. Not fair on him.
— Malagav (@Bloobird87) November 16, 2018
Found the decision to start Tyler Roberts a bit of a strange one too. No real balance about the side and didn’t really seem to have a game plan. Denmark are a good side and they set up well tonight. #Cymru
— Rhys Spencer (@RSpencer100) November 17, 2018
Tyler Roberts was poor tonight – can excuse his youth and inexperience but can't excuse his lack of movement and commitment. Ultimately though, the finger should point at Giggs for picking him in the first place. #WALDEN
— CelebCelery (@CelebCelery) November 16, 2018