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Marcelo Bielsa reacts to Tyler Roberts display in Leeds win

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Marcelo Bielsa has lauded Tyler Roberts after his performance for Leeds United in their win over Crystal Palace, admitting that he cannot believe how much he offered during the game – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

The Whites have picked up a massive victory to move themselves away from the bottom three in the Premier League.

Leeds United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Raphinha scored a stoppage-time penalty for the home side. It came after a nail-biting second-half which saw both teams create a couple of unbelievable opportunities.

Leeds did ride their luck on a couple of occasions. But several of their players produced colossal performances.

Adam Forshaw could well be the side’s player of the season if his current form continues. Stuart Dallas was back to his best. And Daniel James was lauded by many of the fans on social media.

Junior Firpo meanwhile, produced arguably his best performance yet after a shaky start following his half-time introduction.

Leeds United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

But Roberts also went some way to silencing some of his doubters. The Wales international was handed a rare start against the Eagles.

He was not given a lot to work with in the first-half. But he was outstanding after the break.

Bielsa has shown more faith in Roberts than perhaps some fans would like at times. But he admitted after the win that the 22-year-old had even taken him somewhat by surprise with his display.

“Very important,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live, when asked about Roberts. “He did not stop fighting, ever. He kept our team alive and present. I did not imagine he could run as much as he did in 90 minutes.”

Roberts now needs to kick on after brilliant display in Leeds win

Roberts has previously shown that he can make an impact in the Premier League. He was absolutely superb in the goalless draw with Chelsea at Elland Road last season, for example.

However, that is arguably part of the problem. It is not too difficult to recall all of the times when Roberts has stood out for the Whites.

His display against Palace was massively important. And it may see him keep his place for Sunday’s clash with Brentford.

His challenge now is to put a few of those performances together.