Tyler Roberts is a favourite of Marcelo Bielsa’s at Leeds United despite being a ‘divisive’ figure with supporters, according to journalist Beren Cross.
The Lowdown: Roberts splits opinion
Roberts has been a solid but uninspiring performer for the Whites, scoring eight goals and registering nine assists in 94 appearances for the club.
It certainly isn’t a top record in front of goal, and fans have been critical of his performances in the past, with few players splitting opinion more than the Wales international at Elland Road.
It appears as though he is a popular figure in the eyes of his manager, however, with Cross claiming Bielsa will look to play Roberts more in the coming weeks and months.
The Latest: Cross makes fresh claim
Speaking in a Q&A for Leeds Live on Thursday, Cross revealed that the Wales international is someone who the manager rates highly at Thorp Arch:
“Roberts remains a divisive figure among fans, but Bielsa evidently likes him and plays him because he sees a lot of potential in the Wales international.
“The only way Roberts improves is by playing more and developing as a player on the pitch. That’s the way Bielsa will see it.”
The Verdict: Worth sticking with?
Still at the young age of 22, it is important that Roberts isn’t written off by Leeds fans, especially when someone of Bielsa’s stature rates him as a footballer.
That being said, he is going to start having to produce more substance and end product on the pitch if he is to become a regular starter and undisputed key man.
Roberts has only scored once and assisted twice in the Premier League since the start of last season, which isn’t good enough for an attack-minded player, especially when you consider he has failed to find a goal while Patrick Bamford is out injured, which is when his team have needed him to step up more than ever.
In other news, Phil Hay has made a claim regarding three Leeds players. Find out who they are here.
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