Tyler Roberts has paid tribute to his Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa for helping him make his breakthrough for Wales.
Bielsa is better known for his intense moods and fearsome dressing room explosions, rather than playing the fairy godfather. But young striker Roberts – who could win a fourth Wales cap against Denmark on Friday – says he owes the man known as “El Loco” back in his homeland of Argentina.
“I haven’t seen him blow up,” Roberts said. “He was OK after Saturday (when Leeds lost 4-1 at West Brom).
“He always shakes everyone’s hand when we come in from the pitch.
“It’s always the same, win or lose. He was obviously not happy about Saturday, but that’s the same in every team after a result like that.”
Roberts joined Leeds from West Brom for £2.5m in January but injuries kept him out of the first-team picture until Bielsa’s arrival.
The 19-year-old, however, has made a big impact since with three goals in seven league starts.
“I started as a winger with him (Bielsa),” Roberts added.
“But he’s seen me come away with Wales and play the number nine role.
“He’s taught me a lot about runs in behind, staying up the pitch and making important movements.
“He’s opened my eyes to another part of my game that maybe I didn’t see as well before.
“He’s got so much respect in the game and everyone at Leeds has bought into that culture.”
Roberts’ breakthrough at Leeds has been replicated at international level under Wales manager Ryan Giggs.
He made his debut in September’s Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland and his first start against the same opponents last month, a 1-0 win in Dublin.
Wales will top the group and secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League by beating Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium.
“The confidence the manager has in me helps me on the pitch to do what I’ve been doing,” Roberts said.
“Over the last six months it’s escalated quickly and took me by surprise.
“But I’ve been ready for every obstacle and just want to keep going and push on even more.
“I must admit I was star-struck when I first came into the squad and trained with Gareth (Bale) and Aaron (Ramsey).
“But you have to realise that they are your teammates and it’s just great to observe them and learn from them.”
Wales will finish top of Group B4 and achieve promotion to the top flight of the Nations League if they beat the Danes.
A win would also guarantee a Euro 2020 play-off spot and Giggs knows the importance of winning in Cardiff.
“There are a lot of incentives to top the group,” he said. “First of all to win a really competitive group would be great.
“Then you get a second bite of the cherry with regards to qualifying for the euros if you don’t qualify automatically.
“It has an effect on the seeding for the euro draw as well. We started off wanting to win, it is a new tournament. We wanted to win the first one. It is in our hands now.”
David Brooks, Harry Wilson, Tyler Roberts and George Thomas all featured in the 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last month and Giggs says he will continue to put his faith in youth.
“Every player in the squad is available to start,” said Giggs. “It was a great test for a lot of the young players because it is not an easy place to go.
“They came out with flying colours and it will stand them in good stead for the future. The experience that they got was great.
“I’ve always said – it’s that balance of experienced players who have been there and done it and young players who are pushing them – not only in selection but every day in training.
“I want that competitive edge every day.”
