Could Tyler Roberts prove Leeds’ secret weapon as season progresses?

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Tyler Roberts has endured a difficult start to life with Leeds United, but must not be written off.

If there is one player who will be particularly disappointed with Leeds’ exit from the Carabao Cup last week, it may well be Tyler Roberts given that his only appearances for the Whites so far have come in that competition.

The Welshman has been in the matchday squad for Championship games on a couple of occasions – including for the goalless draw with Middlesbrough on Friday night – but he is yet to get onto the pitch in a league game for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

And given that Roberts hardly impressed the supporters during the hour that he spent on the pitch in the defeat to Preston North End one week ago, it appears that the former West Brom ace may require a slice of fortune to force his way into the side anytime soon, especially as marquee summer signing Patrick Bamford is struggling to get into the team right now.

Kemar Roofe continues to prove that he deserves to lead the line. His goals tally is already impressive, and his work-rate has often meant that he is getting plenty of praise when Leeds do not even have the ball.

Bamford meanwhile, is also earning plaudits when he does get a chance to come into the game. He is yet to open his account in the Championship, but showed how dangerous he could be with an assist against Swansea that showcased his desire and selflessness as he looked to create problems down the channels and open space up for Pablo Hernandez to score.

Roberts – who cost £2.5 million in January, according to Sky Sports – cannot and must not be written off. The situation may look slightly bleak right now, but the new season still has 40 games – plus at least two more if Leeds end up in the play-offs – and Roberts could perhaps prove to be the Whites’ secret weapon.

The demands of the Championship makes it difficult to imagine that the depth within Leeds’ squad will not be put to the test, and that could mean that Bielsa does need to look beyond Roofe and Bamford at some stage.

Roberts showed in pre-season with a stunning goal at Oxford that he has serious potential. So, while he may have generally made an underwhelming start to life at Elland Road, perhaps there is every reason to believe that he could make himself a surprise hero by the end of the year.