Leeds United: Connor Roberts shares what he told ‘fantastic’ Dan James after what happened
Connor Roberts told his Leeds United teammate Dan James that it was “disappointing” to see him miss out on the starting lineup for Wales against Finland.
Speaking to Wales Online on Monday (25 March), the Welshman admitted that he said to his 26-year-old compatriot, who came off the bench to score in the 4-1 victory on 21 March, to “take a step back” and realise that there are so many players in the squad who deserve to play.
The 28-year-year old right-back claimed the Whites winger is a “fantastic player” who works really hard and wants to do well, adding that nobody will remember who started the games if Rob Page’s side can secure qualification for the European Championships when they face Poland on Tuesday (26 March).
“Fantastic guy, fantastic player, someone who works really hard and just wants to do well,” said Roberts. “I said to him the other day it was disappointing he wasn’t in starting XI – some might say hard done by – but take a step back and we’ve got so many players who deserve to play.
“It is difficult for us as a team and the manager. We’ve got so many forward players who offer so much but, on the other hand, we do look really good when we play with a back five so it’s one man less [in attack].
“All they can do is when they get the chance is score a goal or contribute and help out. If we manage to do it on Tuesday night, nobody will remember who started games, who played, how many minutes, we’ll just remember the squad who qualified for another major tournament.”
Connor Roberts showing leadership at Leeds United
It shows what kind of character Roberts is and how he looks to take on a bit of a leadership role after what he said to James.
While the winger will be disappointed to not have started for Wales against Finland, he certainly made an impact off the bench.
Roberts hasn’t featured as much as he may have expected since making his loan move from Burnley in January, but it’s clear to see that he is focused on the task ahead and brings excellent experience following his previous promotion at Turf Moor.
It would provide the right-back and the rest of the Whites quartet representing Wales – James, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu – with even more confidence if they can secure qualification for the European Championships this summer.
That would no doubt only be a bonus for Daniel Farke heading into the final few weeks of the season as he looks to gain promotion at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to sell a midfielder for £10.3million after what he told the media.
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