‘Love it’ – Exclusive: Bent head over heels for ‘Brilliant’ transformation of Leeds player
Darren Bent gushed about how Tyler Roberts had managed to seemingly transform into being a midfield option for Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former Tottenham striker admitted he loved seeing young players adapt their game in order to play different positions.
Roberts, who is billed as a centre-forward, has played nine times this season and four of his outings have seen him deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Bent explained that the 20-year-old looking comfortable in midfield showed he was obviously putting in the work to improve.
When asked how impressive it is that Roberts seems to have made himself a viable option in midfield after being seen as an out-and-out centre-forward, Bent told Football Insider: “Yeah it is, it’s a testament to him.
“Obviously putting the work in, adapting to new positions can be difficult, but it’s brilliant from his perspective.
“He looks really comfortable in midfield, and up top at well, and you have to say well played him.
“And I love seeing that, I love seeing younger guys not settling for that one position, I’ve played with players who have done that before.
“So I’m all for it, love it.”
Roberts has missed his side’s last five league games due to injury but Marcelo Bielsa revealed ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Preston that the Wales international was available again.
The 20-year-old has been at Elland Road since being signed from West Bromwich Albion in January 2018 and he has made a total of 40 appearances for the club.
Roberts’ Leeds contract still has plenty of time to run with it not expiring until June 2022.
In other Leeds United news, Danny Mills claimed Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been handed a ‘Massive boost’ ahead of the showdown with Preston.