Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills claims Tyler Roberts now needs to kick on in a Leeds United shirt, having signed a new deal.
The Lowdown: Roberts pens new deal
The Whites enjoyed a superb first season back in the Premier League, with so many players contributing in a positive manner.
One of those was Roberts, who made 27 appearances in the league, providing quality and work-rate out wide and dovetailing nicely with the likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford.
The Welshman has since signed a new deal at Elland Road, despite speculation linking him with a move away during the summer transfer window.
The Latest: Mills lays down gauntlet
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills urged Roberts to now find another gear for Leeds, as competition for places potentially becomes even greater:
“I think he needs to kick on now. He’s got a lot of talent and a lot of ability but we haven’t really seen on a consistent level and not enough at Leeds.
“He’s been in and around the first team now for some time. He now really needs to start pushing for a starting slot and having a real impact.”He needs to go from where he is now which I think is a squad player. He needs to go to that next level where he’s giving the manager a real problem of thinking ‘Do I need to start him or not?’”At the moment, it’s an easy decision – he sits on the bench.”He’s got to be pushing Rodrigo for a starting berth. He needs to be in the manager’s thoughts, not just a case of ‘Oh, Rodrigo’s injury so he starts.’ It has to be a case of ‘Oh Rodrigo’s fit and he’s still got half a chance.’”He needs to use that as a confidence boost and go to the next level.”
The Verdict: Time to go up a gear
While Roberts performed well last season, just one league goal suggests more is required from him in terms of attacking output.
Leeds are now in a position where they are aiming for European football next season and new faces could arrive – individuals who could make the Whites even more potent in the final third.
Roberts will know that he risks becoming a more peripheral figure if he doesn’t find another level, which will hopefully spur him on and result in him becoming a greater force for Bielsa.
In other news, a former Leeds man is fully behind the idea of the Whites signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.