Phil Hay believes that with new Leeds United addition Connor Roberts, the club has “done better than cover” their problematic right-back position.
The Athletic journalist told the Square Ball on February 5 that the Burnley loanee, who has already stated his desire to stay permanently, had always wanted to play for the Whites and believes his “attitude” and league experience may be ideal on and off the ball.
The 28-year-old was promoted to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor last season and is now expected to help Daniel Farke do the same at Elland Road.
Hay stated (10m 10s): “They’ve done better than cover it with Connor Roberts. He’s been a highly successful Championship right-back for a long time.
“We saw him before the signing announcement on Thursday, and the cut of his jib is hard not to like.” He certainly has an attitude, which is excellent; he is a prickly man. He was discussing how much he enjoys a scrap on the pitch, getting stuck in, and using the needle.
“But you can hear in what he says the assurance of someone who is familiar with the Championship routine and has seen it before. He’s been to the play-offs twice with Swansea and won the title once with Burnley. This is his familiar hunting habitat.
“From a technical perspective, as a player, I think it’s a good signing, but I also think there’ll be some real value in having him in the dressing room.”
He said (13m 45s): “Roberts was telling us, ‘I never grew up as a Leeds fan. I’ve never been a Leeds supporter, but I’ve always wanted to play for the club.”
Roberts, a Burnley loanee, is “highly-proven” in Leeds United business.
The Whites took their time filling the void left by Djed Spence and Luke Ayling’s departures, but they eventually secured a target they had desired since the start of the window.
It will be easier said than done for him to replace Archie Gray at right-back, but the Welsh international’s arrival prevents the teenager from injuring himself and spells doom for the position.
Jamie Shackleton has proven to be a reliable stand-in, but he may not be the best option for the business end of a promotion drive, whereas Roberts has been there and done that in the past year.
He might also aid with possible fitness difficulties on the left, where Sam Byram and Junior Firpo have both had extensive injury histories, so it was better late than never in terms of the January window.
Everything the Burnley player has said since joining, before even playing a minute, sounds precisely like what Leeds United fans want to hear.
So, if he can back up his talk on the field when necessary and equal the output of his international teammates Dan James, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon, he could be the ideal midseason signing.
