Tyler Roberts is set to take over from Pablo Hernandez in the number 10 role against Derby County this weekend if the Spaniard misses out for Leeds United.
Marcelo Bielsa revealed at his media conference today (Wednesday) that Hernandez is a major injury doubt for the clash versus Frank Lampard’s side on Friday night at Elland Road.
As quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent, Bielsa has lined up Roberts, 19, to take over as the creative lynchpin of his side.
Bielsa says Tyler Roberts will play at number 10 if Hernandez isn't fit. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 9, 2019
OPINION
Leeds fans will be scratching their hands wondering how it has come to this. With Hernandez struggling due to injury, Samuel Saiz and now Lewis Baker gone, and Izzy Brown still sidelined, Bielsa’s attacking options are thin bordering on almost invisible. The number 10 role is instrumental in linking the midfield and the attack, creating chances in and around the box, and combining the play. Saiz did it very well for the first half of the campaign, and Spanish maestro Hernandez has slotted in impressively in recent weeks following his countryman’s exit. It is difficult to see Roberts making anywhere near the same impression. The teenage Wales international is a spearhead at his best leading the front line. At a push, he can work the wide forward areas, as well. Up until Bielsa’s shock reveal today, he was nobody’s idea of a possible playmaker. He is a finisher of attacks, rather than a builder of them.