Well chaps what do we think?. It almost seems like we have just signed a new player!. I have given him some unmerciful stick over the last few months but over the recent games, he has cut out the fancy I can beat 12 players rubbish, got his head down and has played really well to the point were I cannot see Bielsa dropping him unless he's injured.
Maybe given the opportunity to have a decent run in the team has given him the much needed confidence and only now are we seeing the real potential, either that or he is seriously putting himself in the shop window for a good move.
I'm presuming that Costa will replace Harrison against Man City so it will be interesting to see what his mindset is, although I suspect that he already knows the exit door has started to open.
Sorry, but Roberts isn't quite up to it.
I must admit that he had a decent game yesterday but the 2 games before that were maybe a 7/10....people were saying he was our saviour just because he played better than he had previously done.
I hope he keeps proving his consistency and becomes a good player for us. Sadly, I think he's reached his limit....
I really hope he proves me wrong but would you rather have Roberts, who can do a job, or Rodrigo De Paul!?
Both
Roberts is still young (23) but there is no doubting he can pick a pass and can glide by players when the time is right, Just needs more experience of actually playing 90 minutes and to gain some confidence.
Paying big money for a player who, on paper can be wonderful, is not always the answer. See Roque Junior, Brolin, Sabella, Barnes, Sharpe, Fowler, Seth Johnson etc,
Tyler has talent and IMO it is better working on improving that and his decision making than trying to bed in a new player unfamiliar with MB's demands.
If he can bag a couple of goals or three before see ends, I am sure he will have a good Euros and next season play to a standard that stops fans moaning.
I agree and Tyler has vastly improved in the past 4-5 weeks compared to what we were looking at in Sept/Oct.
I too threw stick at Roberts (because he deserved it) but now i have to give credit where credit is due, he has made an impact in the last 3 games in particular and has gotten the better of his opponent each time. Something MB wants and strives for each player to win their own 1 on 1.
Unfortunately Costa hasnt improved maybe he never will but for now if MB gives TR the jersey for the next game then thats good enough for me. Jury is out for TR but verdict on Costa is out, the guy hasnt shown enough on the pitch on gameday that he can play and win his own battle in any PL ive seen this year (seen them all bar 2)
Roberts is getting his first proper run in the team - now he has stepped back from trying too hard in brief cameos and is getting to fit in properly he looks better for it. I'm very much in the "give him more game time" camp for the rest of the season.
Costa is different - he's had a proper run and he doesn't fit: he's also 27 whereas Tyler is 23?