Sky pundit: Versatile Leeds fringe player ‘can’t have done much more’ to get into Bielsa XI
David Prutton has claimed that Leeds United ace Tyler Roberts has done just about everything he can do to break back into Marcelo Bielsa’s starting line-up.
Roberts, 21, has struggled with injuries this season and appeared just 14 times in the Championship but still managed to have a huge impact at Hull last month when he came off the bench to score twice in a 4-0 win.
The Wales international has started just four times in the Championship this term and Sky Sports pundit Prutton believes that he’s earned the right to start more often due to his ability to play in multiple positions and the fact he’s back up to full speed.
“Tyler appears to have slightly more versatility to him than perhaps Patrick [Bamford] does,” said Prutton, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“In working his way back to full fitness after injury and coming on to score two goals, he can’t have done much more to get a starting berth.
“But it’s good for Leeds to know they have got that in reserve on the bench.
“We know how imperative these last nine games are going to be and the squad appear to be in a good position.
“They have worked their way from what was seen as a perceived blip with questions being asked of them to answer them emphatically and they look in rude health.”
Roberts played for the Under-23s on Monday night and got through that game without a hitch so you would assume he is fit and ready to start for the first-team whenever he is needed.
However, as good as he was off the bench at Hull, there’s no way that Bielsa can change a winning team.
Leeds have won five on the bounce and in that time have not conceded a goal and gone top of the league.
Sorry Roberts, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
He’ll have to wait until there’s a major drop in form or an injury or suspension before he can start a game because right now, pretty much every player in Bielsa’s starting line-up is playing well.
Even Bamford scored at the weekend so it’s hard to justify dropping him now too.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are eyeing up this international midfielder.