Leeds United: Connor Roberts heard bellowing at Dan James, Georginio Rutter in Huddersfield draw
Connor Roberts was audibly directing Leeds United teammates around on the pitch in the draw with Huddersfield Town to demonstrate his leadership ability, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist reported via the outlet’s website on 3 March that the January loan arrival could be heard “bellowing” throughout his half an hour on the pitch, with Dan James a regular target ahead of him on the right flank after coming on alongside him on 62 minutes.
The newest arrival into Daniel Farke’s squad was older than everyone bar Patrick Bamford when he came on and reportedly showed his seniority in also directing the likes of 21-year-old Georginio Rutter to attack down the right where the Whites had the freshest legs.
And with Leeds United in the midst of a tight title race his experience in winning it with Burnley last term is tipped to see him used more often, especially as it would allow Archie Gray to pushed back into midfield.
Connor Roberts tipped for key Leeds United leadership role in Premier League promotion run-in
The Whites are hardly short of quality in the centre of Farke’s line-up as Ilia Gruev has slotted in next to Glen Kamara and both have been excellent since Ethan Ampadu was required in defence.
But teenager Gray’s showing at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea’s £100million-plus pair Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez was a timely reminder of the quality he has, despite filling in for most of the campaign at right-back.
Roberts was brought in for a reason and the strength of his signing was not just in his ability on the pitch, but his attitude and veteran experience in getting out of the second tier.
His familiarity with Welsh teammates, including James, Ampadu and Joe Rodon, is also a bonus and makes it no surprise that he had no issues getting on at the winger after coming off the bench.
It didn’t prove to be enough in a frustrating game against Huddersfield which ended 1-1, but with leaders Leicester losing their third straight against QPR it actually proved to be a positive point.
The margin for error is slim, but Roberts has already shown he is ready to contribute after slamming in the equaliser off the bench in the wild comeback against the Foxes, and could be the manager’s voice on the pitch if Farke opts to lean on him.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could now sign a new young attacker after he gave them the perfect first reason to do so.
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