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“Prove to people” – Loaned-out Leeds United man breaks silence on summer exit

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Leeds United striker Tyler Roberts has given an honest verdict on his and the club’s decision for him to move to QPR on loan.

A new manager taking the reins in 2022 was bound to see plenty of changes to the approach and the personnel as Jesse Marsch took to his first transfer window.

While it was more about how well he replaced certain star players with added strength in depth, there were questions to be asked about fringe players and where their future lay.

Tyler Roberts was one of the Leeds players who was subject to a loan move to the Championship, in order to get the game time that he needs at this stage in his career.

The Wales international has been unfortunate under Marsch, coming off the bench in his first match away at Leicester City last season, only to suffer a major hamstring injury very shortly after coming on, ruling him out for the season.

A loan move to QPR is what Roberts is currently enjoying, after scoring his first league goal of the season to seal a 2-1 away win at Bristol City, his second in all competitions.

He has since spoke about his move to Loftus Road, where he has claimed he was not forced out by Marsch in the slightest. Speaking to West London Sport, Roberts said:

“I had been injured as soon as the new manager came in so he hadn’t really seen me play. Throughout the summer, with the way we ended last season, they [Leeds] were always going to get in new players and the give the manager his own transfer window.

“I was just one of the fringe players. I wasn’t pushed out. It was a mutual agreement to go and get my games and prove to people I can stay fit and score goals.

“That is obviously a big thing for any player in the summer transfer window – you have to be out there playing or you are going to be at risk of missing World Cup selection.”

Do Leeds still need a striker going forward?

Yes

Yes

No

No

A loan away was the best thing for Roberts in terms of playing regularly and managing to boost his own confidence.

There’s no escaping the fact that he had become a huge scapegoat for fans during our time in the Premier League, and no amount of solid performances could change that while he wasn’t scoring.

Ahead of the World Cup, the best thing for him to do is keep playing well for Michale Beale’s side, and a good season could have him in a great mood going forward.

I’m not sure that he has a future here, but that’s not important, because it’s just a case of ensuring Roberts finds his best form again.

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Jack Butland.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.