MOT View: Leeds 21y/o is surely ready to take on greater role in promotion run-in
It looks as if Leeds United fans could have to wait a little bit longer to see Jean-Kevin Augustin score his first goal for the club.
It is understood that the Frenchman has picked up another hamstring problem and is set to undergo assessment in the coming days, potential ruling him out of some of the Whites’ promotion run-in.
But it might not all be doom and gloom.
Adam Forshaw has revealed that Elland Road coaches have been impressed by 21-year-old hitman Tyler Roberts’ sharpness and physical fitness during Leeds’ preparation for the Championship season restarting.
And there’s no reason to believe that the Wales international can’t step up and play his part in the final weeks of the season.
So far this term, he has actually averaged a shot accuracy rate that is 24.1% better than Bamford’s, as well as making more dribbles, more passes, and having a total action success rate that is 15.4% better, as per Wyscout.
And we saw real flashes of what he could do with his two goal brace against Hull City in February.
His second goal in particular was a brilliant example of just how dangerous he can be.
In the image above, Roberts is the player on the shoulder of the last man.
Notice how he has taken up a position on his blindside, but is also already demanding the ball to played into the space behind.
He clearly has a vision of how he wants to exploit the Tigers’ backline, and his confidence to dictate the play like this is impressive for a player of his age.
The delivery is good, but it’s not the easiest in the world to deal with.
Roberts has to stretch to make it his connection, but he does so fantastically.
His body shape may be unorthodox, but by extending himself like that he not only allows himself to get a full contact on the ball, but also gives himself a long hang time that prevents him from getting too far under it.
Then there is the finish itself.
Roberts directs an inch perfect bullet header right into the top corner.
Just look at how far away that ball is from the stranded goalkeeper – he is never getting anywhere near it.
And while you must praise the ball in, it’s also important to point out just how much work the young hitman too put in himself.
His first goal may have been the one that go nominated for goal of the season, but in terms of exhibiting his full potential, this one might actually be more exciting.
He is ready to take on the responsibility of a greater role in this run-in.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Forshaw names Leeds first teamer he had ‘never heard’ of before 19/20.