Why Leeds United should keep hold of Tyler Roberts amidst interest
According to The Times, Derby County are interested in signing Leeds United youngster Tyler Roberts this summer.
The report suggests that the Rams are monitoring the situation of Roberts since Leeds United have signed Rodrigo from Valencia a few days back. The 21-year-old still has two more years left on his contract with the club.
Profile
Born in Wales, Roberts came through the ranks of West Brom’s youth system. He excelled for the club’s U23 side but failed to make it into the senior team. He spent most of his Baggies career on loan spells with clubs like Oxford United, Shrewsbury Town, and Walsall.
Though he returned to the Hawthorns, he could not make it beyond one league appearance for the club. He was then signed by Leeds United in January 2018. Since then, he has managed to rack up 7 goals and 7 assists in 54 appearances for the Whites.
Roberts has also made 7 appearances for Wales till date and has impressed in the last two seasons at Elland Road.
Roberts could be a future leader in Leeds’ attack
Marcelo Bielsa has been busy in the last few months and has made several signings in preparation for Leeds’ return to the top flight. Spanish international Rodrigo was also brought in a few days back and young Joe Gelhardt was also signed last month from Wigan Athletic.
Apart from that they also have Patrick Bamford, who top-scored with 16 goals last season for the club. Jay-Roy Grot is another youngster available in the squad. However, he is inexperienced and was loaned out last term, indicating that he might not be in the manager’s plans. Thus, keeping hold of Roberts would be a wise decision by the club.
The 21-year-old did a decent job last season despite getting limited opportunities. He was particularly impressive in the last few weeks of the campaign.
Moreover, the Wales international is also adept in operating as a No.10 role as well. Pablo Hernandez is the only attacking midfielder in the squad and is already 35. And Roberts could take over from the Spaniard in the future if they don’t bring in an established creative player.
Even if he doesn’t get enough opportunities in the centre-forward role, Roberts can do well in the areas as he is versatile in nature. And keeping him would also help Leeds in maintain squad depth in various positions. At 21, he has already shown immense potential and should only get better with experience.
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Verdict
With Hernandez ageing and limited options in the attacking midfield role, it would be wise if Leeds keep hold of Roberts. He can provide cover for the Spaniard for a year or two and can even be used as a backup for Bamford and Rodrigo. With experience, he can go on to lead the Whites’ attack in the future. Thus, they should hold onto the Welshman.
