Tyler Roberts made his first serious mark at Leeds United with his performance against Preston.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa hailed the effort and endeavour of centre-forward Tyler Roberts on Tuesday night, as he inspired his side to a comfortable win in the Championship.
The Yorkshire giants recorded a 3-0 victory at Elland Road over Preston in the league, meaning they are still unbeaten after the opening eight Championship games and sit top of the table.
Defender Liam Cooper opened the scoring for the hosts in the first-half, before striker Roberts netted his first two goals for the club in the second period.
The 19-year-old striker produced a fantastic chip over the goalkeeper and also a cushioned header to secure the three points..
Bielsa explained the Wales international deserved his impressive performance in midweek after all the work he’s put in.
“He started pre-season work later than others but he’s put in much effort and he’s been playing as a right winger because I asked him to,” Bielsa said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“But I heard that he liked to play as a number nine and the circumstances offered him a space in the team in a position where I thought he didn’t have to play.
“Tyler Roberts thought he had to play as a number nine and in the game against Millwall he had four chances to score. Today he scores two goals so it’s an interesting performance. He’s a very young player and I am very happy for him. He deserves it.”
Roberts has had a tough start to his Leeds career, as injury meant he had to wait to make his first-team debut until this season despite joining back in January.
The attacker appeared to be the third-choice striker behind Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford in the pecking order, but a spate of injuries has opened the door for him to make his mark.
He failed to put away his opportunities at the weekend in the draw away to Millwall, but will now have supreme confidence after opening his account against Preston.
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