Kemar Roofe has continued to show just how effective he is in front of goal as a number nine. He scored a wonderful brace on Saturday as Leeds beat QPR – but Tyler Roberts is feeling the effects.
A £3million signing from Oxford United under Garry Monk, Roofe was used out wide. In his second season, he had spells at number 10 and up front but was mainly a winger.
This season, Marcelo Bielsa has given him the chance to spearhead Leeds’ attack and he has taken it with both hands. In 15 Championship outings, he has netted 10 goals.
But Wales international Roberts has been made to suffer, so Roofe can shine. The former West Bromwich Albion ace has been left out of three of Leeds’ last four matchday squads.
Now, Patrick Bamford has also returned following his posterior cruciate ligament injury. It is likely to see Roberts become third-choice striker at Elland Road, ahead of the January transfer window.
It is hardly Roberts’ fault. With both Roofe and Bamford injured earlier in the season, Roberts was thrown into the deep end, but he impressed.
He scored a brace against Preston North End before single-handedly turning what seemed a certain point against Hull into three. Picking up the ball, 25 yards out, he lashed home a low effort into the bottom corner.
It is hard to argue against Roofe, as well as Bamford as his back-up. Though unfortunate, Roberts will surely be feeling hard done by.