OPINION
When Leeds United stumped up the cash to prise promising youngster Tyler Roberts away from West Brom in January the fans must have thought they were getting their hands on a potential attacking star of the future.
However, through little fault of his own, the 19-year-old’s first year at Elland Road has not gone anywhere near to plan, with injury decimating his first six months at the club and increased ambitions in the current campaign meaning he has had to take a back seat.
Even with a number of exits over summer, Roberts has been rarely seen by the supporters, the likes of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford taking the centre forward responsibilities and Ezgjan Alioski, Pablo Hernandez, Jack Harrison and Jack Clarke filling the wing roles where he had been utilised on occasion.
Having not featured since the start of November, with just two substitute appearances since, the youngster made his return to action on Saturday and as if that was not enough of a surprise for the supporters, he was used in a shock centre midfield role.
While it might have ended 2-0 to Hull City the defeat was not Roberts’ fault and he showed an impressive versatility in his makeshift position and he looks on course to be Bielsa’s secret weapon for the new year.
Having an option who can play anywhere in the final third of the pitch is something most managers would like to have at their disposal and so to have someone who is trusted not only in attack but in midfield is doubly as exciting for the boss.
Roberts might not realise it but being moved around in various roles shows a lot of faith from Bielsa and a trust that he can carry out instructions as expected without harming the rest of the team.
Able to move around seamlessly from position to position will give the Argentine a weapon the opposition will not know how to deal with and so he can be Leeds’ secret asset in 2019.