It’s been another disappointing week for Leeds United fans on the injury front. It appears Eddie Nketiah’s abdominal issue is worse than originally feared and we’ve also lost Ezgjan Alioski and Jamie Shackleton for the upcoming clash against Blackburn Rovers, but when it comes to our striking options, we know manager Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t have much back up.
We could dip into the Under 23s and it would be a big weight placed on the likes of Ryan Edmondson or Kun Temenuzhkov’s shoulders given our aspirations for the second year under our Argentine gaffer, however, now he’s back fit, Tyler Roberts does become an alternative.
For former player and now BBC pundit, Noel Whelan, he believes that he’s the only sensible option we have now.
“Tyler Roberts will be the back-up striker to Patrick if he gets injured or taken off, that’s what I’m hearing. That certainly makes sense, even though Roberts was fantastic in the number 10 role against QPR. He has played at centre-forward for Leeds before and that’s where he is usually used by Wales as well. I think he is better behind the striker, turning, linking the play, driving towards goal and finding angles, but he can lead the line as well. I can’t see Bielsa turning to Ryan Edmondson, as he’s not even made the squad yet this season, while Helder Costa and Jack Harrison are far better with the ball at their feet and running at defenders rather than leading the line.”
Is Roberts The Man For No 9 Or Not?
Yes
No
Hopefully, given how well Roberts did in the more traditional No 10 role, Bamford will stay fit and really find his scoring boots and one of the young lads can get some bench experience and maybe some minutes, as Roberts seems more effective in the position he played against Queens Park Rangers for me.
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