Tyler Roberts: I want to play number nine at Leeds
Tyler Roberts is enjoying his football under Marcelo Bielsa but thinks he should be playing as a striker for Leeds United.
The Wales international spoke about having to play in a number of positions for the Whites but detailed the role he wants to play in the future.
Roberts has had a run in the team recently in what he views as a number 10 role, but has only contributed directly to two goals this season.
Tony Cascarino asked the 22-year-old about his versatile role in the squad on talkSPORT’s GameDay Breakfast [13/03].
Roberts said, “It’s been a great learning experience in each position, trying to be versatile and I think that is the sort of player I am, I can be versatile.
“Ideally I like to play through the centre, I see myself in the future being a number nine.
“Of course at the moment I’m playing number ten and I do think I can impact in that position.”
Finding his place
Roberts has had a difficult season after falling down the pecking order due to the arrival of Rodrigo.
Patrick Bamford’s fine form has also limited Roberts’ game time, but in truth he has not stepped up to the Premier League.
An average WhoScored rating of 6.2 explains why he is often left out of the team, while a pass accuracy of 71% is not good enough for this Leeds side.
It is interesting that he views himself as a number nine, as he has just played just 21 games as a centre-forward for Leeds, per Transfermarkt.
He is not a natural finisher and does not offer the kind of hold-up play that Bamford provides.
We think it is unlikely that he will succeed as a striker at Elland Road, particularly as it is a position we may look to strengthen in the summer.
In other Leeds United news, Rodrigo states why he has not been playing his best at Leeds.