This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Little by little he’s forcing his way back into the picture.
Tyler Roberts has sort of become the forgotten man at Elland Road this season.
There has been plenty of talk surrounding who should lead the line between Patrick Bamford and Eddie Nketiah, meanwhile, Roberts has been coming back from a knee operation that he undertook during the summer.
As a result, his contributions from last season, and what he can offer in this campaign have been pushed aside. Speaking after the Birmingham City game, Roberts spoke about his recovery so far and how important it is for him to be getting back into the swing of things:
“Coming on in the second half and getting some minutes it was great, it’s been a long summer, so I’m glad to be back and helping the team get up the table.”
On the chalkboard
Roberts is the perfect man for a Marcelo Bielsa team, because whilst he has predominantly spent his career as a centre-forward, he can play in so many positions across the front line as well as an attacking midfielder.
Bielsa has spoken about his preferences to carry a small squad, so for him to be able to fill in multiple roles makes him crucial.
He’s also very effective on the pitch as well, if you take a look at his record from last season, even though it was only three goals and six assists, he spent large parts of the campaign either on the bench, not in the squad or forced out wide (where his assists came from).
Whilst Bielsa has stated that the team will be unchanged for the game against Preston North End, he really needs to consider using Roberts a lot more going forward.
Whilst the 20-year-old may be the perfect utility man to bring off the bench if there is an injury to anyone in the front-line, it shouldn’t necessarily rule him out to start games either, especially when supporters loved his cameo so much last weekend.
After all, he did start 20 games under Bielsa last season, so it’s not as if he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. Although his numbers weren’t amazing, perhaps if he got a more consistent run in the side, he might be able to get those numbers up and help the team like he’s talked about.
Either way, he’s returning at just the right time if you consider Leeds’ struggles in front of goal. Bamford has failed to find the back of the net for seven games so they definitely need an added attacking threat.
