Exclusive: Nigel Martyn discusses Tyler Roberts and his resurgence at Leeds United

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Nigel Martyn has told The Boot Room that he expected Tyler Roberts to leave Leeds United in the January transfer window, but has applauded the Wales international for taking his opportunity when given the chance by Marcelo Bielsa.

Roberts, 22, finally started for Leeds against Wolves last weekend and was then handed a start in the 3-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday night. His start against the Saints was just his fourth of the season for Leeds.

Indeed, the ex-West Brom man had to wait almost five months to start for Leeds in the Premier League again – last starting during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City back in early October. He has fed off scraps, and been forced to play for the 23’s.

His form for the 23’s has been good – scoring four in six – but he was proving ineffective off the bench. A loan move was touted in January, with the Daily Mail claiming five Championship clubs wanted him in January, including Derby and Cardiff.

However, an excellent second-half substitute display against Arsenal – in which he created Helder Costa’s goal – gained him a start against Wolves. On Tuesday at Southampton, he created Patrick Bamford’s goal and has been praised by Martyn.

“In January I thought he would go, I questioned whether he would get enough game time and I thought he might be pushing to orchestrate something,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “Since then, he’s had more game time.

“When everyone is fit and available, he finds himself on the bench. You need players of that quality to come on, but it is keeping him happy which is key. The performance [against Wolves] was decent. That’s how it is. Hopefully he starts more games.”

TBR’s view – Roberts decision vindicated against Southampton

His performance at Elland Road on Tuesday night was superb. With Leeds playing three at the back after the inclusion of Diego Llorente, the Whites needed more creative options in the middle of the park – with Stuart Dallas operating from the left.

Roberts provided that. He controlled a very powerful pass from Llorente in the middle of the park before finding Bamford inch-perfectly, who netted with aplomb to give Leeds the lead. His late runs into the box also caused Southampton problems.

He should have scored, and his performance certainly deserved that. But certainly, keeping the £4million ace (Mail) was clearly the right thing to do and he is now likely to retain his place when Leeds take on Aston Villa this weekend at Elland Road.