Former Leeds United man Noel Whelan doesn’t ‘count’ Tyler Roberts as a striker, according to Football Insider.
Roberts has started in the striker position twice during this season, but despite this, former Whites forward Whelan has told Football Insider: “We need three natural centre-forwards minimum, and I don’t count Tyler Roberts as one. Clearly, [Marcelo] Bielsa doesn’t either as he uses him in an attacking midfield position.”
The 20-year-old played 90 minutes against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday, however, he was started in a central-midfield role which backs Whelan’s point about Marcelo Bielsa not considering the Welshman a striker. Whelan also went on to say: “If Leeds are serious about promotion they need another striker in January.” Indeed, it is perhaps, too hard to disagree with that statement as the only other natural striker at Elland Road currently being Eddie Nketiah.
Roberts, who is valued at £3.6 million (Transfermarkt), has played a total of 287 minutes in the Championship this season, which includes two back-to-back starts against Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn. Bielsa was apparently ‘thrilled‘ to see Roberts’ response after private talks calling for him to improve, which could be very good news for the 20-year-old as that could lead to more starts for the promotion chasers in the near future.
Verdict
At just 20-years-old, it doesn’t matter where Bielsa plays Roberts, as the Welshman will likely be happy to just get some minutes, especially when he’s getting started on a regular basis. The young Wales international really can’t complain at the present moment and we would be very surprised if he was complaining. Being young still means he’s trying to find where he fits in the team, meaning it’s likely we will see Roberts move positions many more times before Bielsa is happy to make him the main player in a certain position.