Marcelo Bielsa has often been adamant that he likes to operate with a small squad, therefore it’s interesting to see that he has so many midfield and attacking options.
One man who can fill in as a midfielder or a striker is Tyler Roberts, and while the Welshman has played in each of United’s first three league games this term, his path at Leeds may soon look a little foggy.
Yes, Roberts has come off the bench in each of United’s first two games, while also getting a start against Sheffield United, but in a few weeks circumstances may change and his role may become a lot more limited.
Indeed, three-time Player of the Year Pablo Hernandez will eventually return from injury, Michael Cuisance looks set to arrive and Rodrigo has been tipped to improve as time goes on, so it seems Roberts may end up slowly but surely slipping down the hierarchy in both midfield and in attack.
As the weeks go by, Rodrigo will become fitter and more accustomed to Bielsa’s style, and as that happens, he’s likely to become first-choice in either a number 10 or a striker role, because you don’t spend a club-record fee on a Spain international to leave him rotting on the bench.
The same has to be said about the imminent £18m signing of Cuisance from Bayern Munich, he’s coming to Leeds for big money from the current European champions, and he surely isn’t arriving at Elland Road to sit behind a man who couldn’t even get regular starts in the Championship – Roberts began just 12 league games last term.
Fans had hoped that Roberts would emerge as a bona fide first-teamer, with some drooling over him after his impressive performance vs QPR last season, but competition for spots is a lot more competitive when your club can spend Premier League money, and as things stand his path towards becoming a starter at Leeds looks foggy as there is a plethora talent waiting to overtake him in the pecking order.
Roberts might need to have a conversation with the manager about his plans for him, because as things progress, there may be plenty for the 22-year-old to be concerned about.
In other news, one potential Leeds signing could be an immediate fan favourite.