It was a frustrating afternoon for Leeds United at Ewood Park on Saturday, with the Whites suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.

Leeds were looking to hit the ground running following the international break, with the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Kemar Roofe returning to boost Marcelo Bielsa’s options.

The latter’s return was expected to see Bielsa drop Tyler Roberts, who had led the line in the absence of Roofe.

However, Bielsa kept faith with Roberts, opting to play Roofe wide on the right.

Here at FLW, we take a look at the 19-year-old’s contribution in our latest FLW Spotlight…

Roberts completed 90 minutes at Ewood Park, but he managed just one shot at goal during that time.

He won only one free-kick and just three of his aerial duels on a difficult afternoon.

In possession, there was one key pass from the teenager, who attempted 27 passes.

Those came at a completion rate of just 67% - highlighting Roberts’ struggles on his trip to Lancashire.

The Verdict

Roberts was terrific in the absence of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, and his inclusion in the starting XI alongside Roofe on Saturday can’t be debated.

However, it was bold of Bielsa to name Roberts as the focal point of attack, as Roofe is far better suited to that role, with Roberts having the qualities to drift out wide.

Leeds’ best spells at Blackburn came when that duo switched, in fact.

This look at Roberts’ stats show us that Bielsa and Leeds needed more from the 19-year-old, who was particularly sloppy in possession and wasn’t threatening enough in the box.

Changes could well be made against Ipswich Town on Wednesday, with Roberts one of those in the firing line.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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