Leeds forward Tyler Roberts is the latest name linked with a move to Pride Park in January. We spoke with Ed McIntyre from All Things Leeds to get the low down on Leeds's Welsh forward.
Tyler Roberts to Derby. Can you see a loan move happening for the young Welshman?
I certainly can see a loan move happened. It’s needed really for Roberts. He’s a good young player at the age of just 21, and needs game time, and I think a loan move to the Championship would be great for him to learn from, gain experience and hopefully Leeds will have a good young player coming back to Elland Road in the summer.
Roberts can operate in multiple positions (striker, winger, attacking midfield). What is his best position? And what style does he like to play (holding up play, target man, runs in behind, etc.)?
I’d say his best position is definitely being the sole number 9 striker. He has good pace to get in behind and can also hold up the ball well. He is versatile, and can do a job in any of those forward positions, but it’s evident that he’s much better as the number 9. Majority of the goals he’s scored for Leeds has come when he’s played up front. If you look back at the 4-0 win at Hull last season, he came on as a late sub at number 9 and scored two terrific goals which shows he has the talent if played in his best position. But as I say, he does a good job anywhere.
He’s played eight times (six starts) in the Premier League this season. Why is Bielsa looking to loan him out?
I’d imagine Bielsa is looking to loan out Roberts simply because he’s lacking game time. Roberts is good enough to start for any Championship club and deserves game time, and needs game time to improve. It would be good for Roberts. I also think Leeds have enough forward options and Bielsa doesn’t like to have a large squad. But, I’m not Bielsa, I can’t tell you for sure!
What are his strengths? His weaknesses?
Strengths: he’s quick, can finish, got confidence for someone who’s so young, and has developed really well under Bielsa.
Weaknesses: he perhaps tries too much sometimes with the ball, silly backheel passes etc. He also doesn’t have the best of luck with injuries. It’s important that he keeps fit.
How was he in the Championship with Leeds over the past couple of seasons?
He was quite good in the championship for Leeds when he played, I mean, we won the league by 10 points, and he played a part in that. He’s good enough to go straight into the majority of Championship sides, and hopefully he can get a lot of game time and improve at Derby if the move happens.
Do you think he can have an impact at Championship level?
Yes. If he stays fit and get a good run in the team, you have yourselves a good player for the second part of the season.
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