Noel Whelan comments on Tyler Roberts’s recent form for Leeds

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Noel Whelan has admitted to BBC Radio Leeds that he feels that he is yet to see anything from Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts so far this season.

The Whites have suffered a couple of heavy defeats in a row. And that has perhaps prompted the microscope to be placed on those not quite performing at their best.

Roberts came on just after Crystal Palace’s fourth goal on Saturday. He had also been introduced when Leeds were 2-1 down to Leicester on Monday.

Unfortunately on both occasions, the Wales international has struggled to make an impact. He made a nice run against the Foxes which came to nothing. And he showed willingness to get on the ball at Selhurst Park.

However, his cameos did little to move the momentum back in Leeds’s favour. And Whelan suggested that he has not done enough to justify a place in the side.

“I’ve not seen him do anything this season quite frankly,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “He’s a player that’s struggling for confidence, struggling to find form.

“If we had certain players like Pablo Hernandez and Rodrigo, then maybe he doesn’t get that game-time.”

Roberts is only 21, so it is difficult to be too critical of him. He is also a player who made almost as many substitute appearances in the Championship last season as he did starts. So it is asking a lot to expect him to immediately make a difference in top flight.

Of course, it is not unreasonable to expect more either. Bielsa has put a lot of faith in the youngster throughout his tenure.

There have been flashes of brilliance along the way. But he surely now needs to show that he is a player who can kick on and become a game-changer for the Whites.