Connor Roberts

[ClaretPete001]

I've said right from the first game that playing a more orthodox RIght midfield in front of Roberts has dragged the team marginally to the right and leaves the left more exposed. It also means we are heavily reliant on Jay Rod because the 4-2-2-2 becomes a 4-2-3-1. And poor old Maatsen is left completely exposed as Tella pushes forward.

I haven't checked the stats for all the games but the last time we had this conversation around the Millwall games it certainly appeared to be the case.

I don't know why Kompany is asking Roberts to play as a more orthodox Right Back perhaps because defensively he appears to be weak, which the stats are showing quite starkly. Albeit I am surprised by those stats - or perhaps because we don't have a trusted second central striker.

Either way it will cost us if anything happens to Jay Rod....!

[RVclaret]

Either way it will cost us if anything happens to Jay Rod....!

Isn’t that why we signed Dervisoglu? Admittedly we haven’t seen enough of him yet but he comes as highly rated as our other loan signings.

[ClaretPete001]

Isn’t that why we signed Dervisoglu? Admittedly we haven’t seen enough of him yet but he comes as highly rated as our other loan signings.

You would hope so but as you say we haven't seen much of him. To be fair, Jay Rod is a very clever player and you would think he would have picked up more caps for England had he not got injured while playing at Southampton.

[RVclaret]

You would hope so but as you say we haven't seen much of him. To be fair, Jay Rod is a very clever player and you would think have would have picked up more caps for England had he not got injured while playing at Southampton.

Yes absolutely. He was linked with joining Pochettino at Spurs after starting under him at Southampton. Was terrific in that inside left forward role he played there. Since then, after the injuries, he’s developed his game to be a line leading number 9, clearly bulked up a fair bit for it too.

As you say very intelligent and technically underrated. Hope he stays fit but this next run of games with 11 games in 40 days will be testing.

[dansch]

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/fo ... le-3849911

Confirmed himself the role he's asked to play under VK

[Mattster]

I've said right from the first game that playing a more orthodox RIght midfield in front of Roberts has dragged the team marginally to the right and leaves the left more exposed. It also means we are heavily reliant on Jay Rod because the 4-2-2-2 becomes a 4-2-3-1. And poor old Maatsen is left completely exposed as Tella pushes forward.

I haven't checked the stats for all the games but the last time we had this conversation around the Millwall games it certainly appeared to be the case.

I don't know why Kompany is asking Roberts to play as a more orthodox Right Back perhaps because defensively he appears to be weak, which the stats are showing quite starkly. Albeit I am surprised by those stats - or perhaps because we don't have a trusted second central striker.

Either way it will cost us if anything happens to Jay Rod....!

I disagree, Cullen covers for Maatsen's runs forward, unlike at Anderlecht where he dropped into right back he drops into the left and that cover down the right is provided by Roberts. The left centre back (both Taylor and Beyer) also holds to that flank more than THB does to the right and Maatsen has the pace to recover in case of a turnover, something Roberts doesn't have which is why he isn't allowed the same freedom going forward.

I don't think we're over-exposed down either flank, we would be if Roberts pushed forwards more as he lacks that recovery pace. If anything the team is "dragged" more to the left in attack as that's where more of our attacking numbers are gathered - here's our average positions against Bristol where you can see Jay, Tella and Maatsen are more over to the left and you can also see Cullen (24) in a very similar position to Roberts (14).

BFCBCFC.jpg (58.76 KiB) Viewed 3728 times

[RVclaret]

I disagree, Cullen covers for Maatsen's runs forward, unlike at Anderlecht where he dropped into right back he drops into the left and that cover down the right is provided by Roberts. The left centre back (both Taylor and Beyer) also holds to that flank more than THB does to the right and Maatsen has the pace to recover in case of a turnover, something Roberts doesn't have which is why he isn't allowed the same freedom going forward.

I don't think we're over-exposed down either flank, we would be if Roberts pushed forwards more as he lacks that recovery pace. If anything the team is "dragged" more to the left in attack as that's where more of our attacking numbers are gathered - here's our average positions against Bristol where you can see Jay, Tella and Maatsen are more over to the left and you can also see Cullen (24) in a very similar position to Roberts (14).

BFCBCFC.jpg

Agree with your view. Pretty much a 3-2-5 shape in possession. It’s also the shape City usually use albeit different ‘positions’ moving in different places (eg Cancelo inverts into the midfield 2 from left back). Maatsen’s position there is virtually in line with the ‘right winger’ Benson.

[ClaretPete001]

Unless, I am misinterpreting the numbers I don't think your graphic particularly contradicts anything I say.

14 and 17, which I presume is Roberts and the right sided midfield player line up in an orthodox fashion for the reasons you give.

I presume 23 is Tella is forward of Jay Rod (9?). Cullen is dragged to the Left but Maatsen (29 I presume) is left exposed on the Left and the graphic shows that quite clearly.

Remember these are stats and do not reflect outliers or those situation where Maatsen is left more exposed than he should be.

The surprise is how narrow 14 and 17 are, so where I do agree is that Taylor and Cullen are dragged to the Left to cover for Tella. To the naked eye Maatsen's position probably is misleading in that he is more wider left than the right sided players making it look as though the team is more right sided than it is.

In VKs 4-2-2-2 - you presume 14 would be in a similar position to 29; and 24 would be more central.

It's a game of opinions but my main point was that the positions of 14 and 17 clearly impact upon the overall balance of the team.

However, you can't argue with a winning team and what do I know...!

[claretonthecoast1882]

There seems to be an awful lot of players being "dragged about" due to the set up by one of the best defenders this country has seen in recent times. It is a shame Kompany hasn't spotted this.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/fo ... le-3849911

Confirmed himself the role he's asked to play under VK

We don't want facts like these on here, it takes away people's chances of moaning about him...

[ClaretPete001]

I would have thought it nigh on impossible to make snarky comments about fans talking tactics referring to stats and graphics on a football discussion board.

Bu again - what do I know...? Without wishing to state the obvious VK works within the constraints of squads and budgets like everyone else.

[Newcastleclaret93]

There seems to be an awful lot of players being "dragged about" due to the set up by one of the best defenders this country has seen in recent times. It is a shame Kompany hasn't spotted this.

To be fair one of the best defenders this country has ever seen certainly struggles to set up a team to get a clean sheet

[claretonthecoast1882]

To be fair one of the best defenders this country has ever seen certainly struggles to set up a team to get a clean sheet

For a bunch of new players, playing in a new system 2 in the first 10 is fine by me, especially when we have lost just 1 of those and really shouldn't have lost that.

[CoolClaret]

Stats are great but can also be used to formulate any view you want - data is good as concrete evidence to verify or falsify perceptions. Data just for datas sake can be a bit loony - heck listen to Harry Winks say he has been pulled up if his pass completion % isn’t ‘high’ (and therefore encouraging him to playing overly safe).

I’d say that right now Roberts is playing a sort of Kyle Walker/Azpilicueta style RCB role that is neither a full back nor a centre back.. it’s a sort of hybrid

The perception of his performance, at least from me and what I think is perceived by others, is that Roberts isn’t particularly defensively dominant, doesn’t seem to play dangerous crosses & slows the play down and plays overly safe.

There’s not much in that infographic that would suggest otherwise….

What that graphic also doesn’t show is things like the howler for the West Brom Goal, intercepted passes in dangerous areas - recall quite a few of these this season (heck there was one in the first half against Bristol City that put us under real pressure)

I, like others think Lowton would be much better in this position with what I’ve seen over the years - much better defensively and a better organiser at the back.

I’ll have to trust Kompany’s judgement here and if he’s fulfilling the role to a T then I’ll hold my hands up… but I’m not having that he’s currently a top performer.

[Lancasterclaret]

Course, anyone with eyes in the JHU and JHL can see exactly what Roberts role is now, and the stats absolutely back that up

It does go without saying that there are people in both stands with preconceived ideas about where Roberts now plays, and their reaction to him playing that role are not helpful

[CoolClaret]

Course, anyone with eyes in the JHU and JHL can see exactly what Roberts role is now, and the stats absolutely back that up

It does go without saying that there are people in both stands with preconceived ideas about where Roberts now plays, and their reaction to him playing that role are not helpful

I certainly don’t support any abuse that any player receives at all.

I think Roberts can continue to do his role but just play it a bit quicker? Seems to always want to take an extra touch or hold onto the ball just a bit longer that seems to give the opposition enough time to drift over/reset.

Hopefully he grows into the role more but for me there’s still question marks - especially defensively

[ClaretPete001]

It's obvious what his role is but it's less obvious why it is what it is given VKs previously talked about tactical approach of 4-2-2-2.

You could say that Roberts is being asked to do a job because that is VKs preferred approach or VK is simply making the best of what he has - it's all about opinions.

[RVclaret]

It's obvious what his role is but it's less obvious why it is what it is given VKs previously talked about tactical approach of 4-2-2-2.

You could say that Roberts is being asked to do a job because that is VKs preferred approach or VK is simply making the best of what he has - it's all about opinions.

We haven’t played the 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 at all this season.

[NoFixedAbode_Claret]

I get the formation and his role, but Roberts needs to stop giving the ball away. Two out of the last 3 matches he has been guilty of doing that. We do have other options imo, if he cannot cut that out.

[RVclaret]

I get the formation and his role, but Roberts needs to stop giving the ball away. Two out of the last 3 matches he has been guilty of doing that. We do have other options imo, if he cannot cut that out.

Like showed on the last post of the previous page, he has the best passing accuracy of any full back / wing back in the league.

[NoFixedAbode_Claret]

Like showed on the last post of the previous page, he has the best passing accuracy of any full back / wing back in the league.

Then he must have his bad moments in amongst all that bread and butter stuff. I notice it. He has given the ball away in vital positions lately, inviting the opposition on to us. Better not to do that with a possession based tactic. He would do himself and the team a favour if he cut it out, likewise with any player.

[ClaretPete001]

We haven’t played the 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 at all this season.

I didn't say we had...!

[RVclaret]

I didn't say we had...!

Misread it. It is a good point, I’m wondering if we will see it when there’s an introduction of Twine. Him and Brownhill in the left and right half spaces with Tella up top with Jay. Perhaps it’s just been personnel, but also good to see tactical flexibility.

[ClaretPete001]

Misread it. It is a good point, I’m wondering if we will see it when there’s an introduction of Twine. Him and Brownhill in the left and right half spaces with Tella up top with Jay. Perhaps it’s just been personnel, but also good to see tactical flexibility.

Twine is the key for me and my guess is that when he comes in he will transform this team to another level as long as we can keep Jay Rod and Cork fit.

Twine was an early signing and I have few doubts he is central to VKs thought albeit I note you posted on another thread VK is nursing him back to fitness.

Of course, saying things like this always invites egg on your face.

[CoolClaret]

Like showed on the last post of the previous page, he has the best passing accuracy of any full back / wing back in the league.

Not the ringing endorsement you think it is when we have what 65-70% of possession and he plays it safe? Be shocked if it was anything else

[RVclaret]

Not the ringing endorsement you think it is when we have what 65-70% of possession and he plays it safe? Be shocked if it was anything else

If you re-check the data I posted properly you will see he is in the top percentiles for Smart Passes*, forward passes (and success), passes to the final third (and success) and progressive passes**.

Basically that suggests that all the passing isn’t just safe stuff. Definitely room for improvement and even though he’s playing a Walker like role, he doesn’t possess anywhere near the speed or strength he does that makes it a success (albeit at a much higher level).

* defined by Wyscout as ‘A creative and penetrative pass that attempts to break the opposition's defensive lines to gain a significant advantage in attack.’

** ‘A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is: at least 30 meters closer to the opponent's goal if the starting and finishing points are within a team's own half.’

[CoolClaret]

If you re-check the data I posted properly you will see he is in the top percentiles for Smart Passes*, forward passes (and success), passes to the final third (and success) and progressive passes**.

Basically that suggests that all the passing isn’t just safe stuff. Definitely room for improvement and even though he’s playing a Walker like role, he doesn’t possess anywhere near the speed or strength he does that makes it a success (albeit at a much higher level).

* defined by Wyscout as ‘A creative and penetrative pass that attempts to break the opposition's defensive lines to gain a significant advantage in attack.’

** ‘A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is: at least 30 meters closer to the opponent's goal if the starting and finishing points are within a team's own half.’

The passes to the final third don’t surprise me when we’ve played teams like Lincoln/Preston etc that just sit on the edge of their own box.. again I’d be surprised if he wasn’t up there.

Ok so it looks like he is attempting more passes forward (at least relative to other championship fullbacks) than I might have thought but again, we’re an attacking team I’d have thought with us committing forward like we do our fullbacks/midfield would be up there.

His progressive pass success % is below the average value of the championship - ‘giving the ball away’

Obviously I don’t think anyone thinks that all he ever does is take the easy option but I think we’re justified in saying he looks like a slight kink in the armour and that we could have other players more suited for that role

[RVclaret]

but I think we’re justified in saying he looks like a slight kink in the armour and that we could have other players more suited for that role

Possibly, though with Lowton I’d be concerned at him having the athleticism / overall fitness to make the occasional runs past the opponents back line that Roberts does from time to time, as well as the pace to play in a high line (not that Roberts is quick, but Lowton is another few notches down on the pace scale). Also, Roberts has played in positional play systems before at Swansea (played under Graeme Potter) so perhaps understands the movement better than Lowton who’s been a traditional right full back in a rigid 4-4-2 for years.

It would be interesting to see whether Egan-Riley is given a go there (should Roberts form drop or sustain an injury) or even Beyer when Taylor is back fit. Definitely options like you say, though with just 1 defeat (not deserved) in 10 it’s difficult to argue it’s a change that needs making.

[CoolClaret]

It would be interesting to see whether Egan-Riley is given a go there (should Roberts form drop or sustain an injury) or even Beyer when Taylor is back fit. Definitely options like you say, though with just 1 defeat (not deserved) in 10 it’s difficult to argue it’s a change that needs making.

Agreed and fair comment -

With Roberts it’s just frustrating as we bought him as a young, supposed standout Championship player to play in the Premier League…

He didn’t quite cut it last season and sadly it’s much of the same this season (PNE aside) where he’s looked every part a standard championship fullback.

Come game time of course I’ll be supportive of him and all the team.

[nil_desperandum]

To be fair one of the best defenders this country has ever seen certainly struggles to set up a team to get a clean sheet

Generally it hasn't been the set-up of the team that has resulted in conceding goals it has been individual errors, a goalkeeper slipping and a couple of goals that VAR would most likely have overturned.
Considering that this is a new team with an inexperienced defence and goalkeeper, our defensive record has been excellent - (Blackpool aside, when it was definitely the case that inexperience and naivety cost us 2 points.)

[Quickenthetempo]

Lowton was OK as a Premier League full back.

Roberts was brought in to be a better, attacking full back in the Prem. It didn't quite work out any better really, but he did OK.

He's probably doing OK again at the level below, but expectations are much higher of him now against inferior players.

The system might not help him, but fans can only judge on what they see.

[boatshed bill]

The system might not help him, but fans can only judge on what they see.

Or what they think they see?

[ClaretPete001]

If you re-check the data I posted properly you will see he is in the top percentiles for Smart Passes*, forward passes (and success), passes to the final third (and success) and progressive passes**.

Basically that suggests that all the passing isn’t just safe stuff. Definitely room for improvement and even though he’s playing a Walker like role, he doesn’t possess anywhere near the speed or strength he does that makes it a success (albeit at a much higher level).

* defined by Wyscout as ‘A creative and penetrative pass that attempts to break the opposition's defensive lines to gain a significant advantage in attack.’

** ‘A pass is considered progressive if the distance between the starting point and the next touch is: at least 30 meters closer to the opponent's goal if the starting and finishing points are within a team's own half.’

He's not - unless my eye sight deceives me, which is possible he has low figures for key passing, lower numbers of long passes and low progressive passing success rates.

It actually seems to back up Cool claret's points in suggesting that he does a lot of short passing.

All his other stats are pretty average.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Is Roberts taking a pasting for doing as his manager asks as per the previous linked article?

I'm not surprised, but I'm just checking.

[NoFixedAbode_Claret]

I don't read it that he is taking a pasting, just think he has made some key passing errors in amongst those good looking stats. Everyone in here would agree that if he could cut out the errors - all would be well in the jungle

[RVclaret]

He's not - unless my eye sight deceives me, which is possible he has low figures for key passing, lower numbers of long passes and low progressive passing success rates.

It actually seems to back up Cool claret's points in suggesting that he does a lot of short passing.

All his other stats are pretty average.

There isn’t a ‘key passing’ specific metric and lower numbers of long passes makes sense as it’s likely an instruction not to play them. The closest to key passes is smart passing which is in the top percentile. Yes it was also my point he does a lot of short passing but it’s not always sideways / backwards.

I think this snippet from yesterdays Lancs Live article sums it up well:

‘In the first half Roberts received the ball midway inside his own half and composed himself, took a moment to assess his options - which were mainly square or backwards - and tried to play a progressive pass into midfield which was cut out. There were a few grumbles. Later on, in a more advanced position, Roberts again weighed up his pass and opted to go back to recycle the ball. There were a few grumbles.’

https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/f ... y-25076094

[ClaretPete001]

There isn’t a ‘key passing’ specific metric and lower numbers of long passes makes sense as it’s likely an instruction not to play them. The closest to key passes is smart passing which is in the top percentile. Yes it was also my point he does a lot of short passing but it’s not always sideways / backwards.

I think this snippet from yesterdays Lancs Live article sums it up well:

‘In the first half Roberts received the ball midway inside his own half and composed himself, took a moment to assess his options - which were mainly square or backwards - and tried to play a progressive pass into midfield which was cut out. There were a few grumbles. Later on, in a more advanced position, Roberts again weighed up his pass and opted to go back to recycle the ball. There were a few grumbles.’

https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/f ... y-25076094

There is a metric for key passes. Almost no crosses, no offensive duels - almost nothing from an offensive perspective. Almost no defensive duels or headers.

No dribbles, key passes or long passes. I take you point about smart passes but that is contradicted by the low percentage rate of successful progressive passing and low numbers of key passing compared to others. Depending upon the definition of a smart pass you would expect that a team that often has 70 per cent possession would by default have a lot of smart passes equally a lower number of defensive duels but not that low.

I don't think Roberts its playing badly or that he is a bad player I am just interested in why VK is playing the way he is and Roberts just happens to be one explanation. A lack of forward options is another.

And though it may not have been your point, others have commented on it - surely, a discussion on tactics that refers to the way an individual fits into the side can apply equally to Lowton as it does to Roberts. And if you accept that this board can cause "grumbles" amongst the crowd then you must accept that it could equally apply to Lowton should he play.

A football forum with no opinions on players would not be worth bothering with and tbf the stats you and others are producing are high quality. It would be a shame to spoil them because a few on here can't tolerate diverse opinions.

[warksclaret]

We need to get behind Roberts and show our support for him. There is a very good player there, and I have no doubt he will show his qualities for Wales tonight.Cannot see this cry for Lowton to start. We have done the virtual impossible this year and moved out all the "deadwood" and in my opinion several still to go, but a more difficult task than we think, particularly if still under contract.We have some great prospects that have been brought in, not getting game time, so the likes of Lowton, Barnes, Long for me should not make the match squad, and for me JBG might fall into this camp too soon

[aggi]

Is Roberts taking a pasting for doing as his manager asks as per the previous linked article?

I'm not surprised, but I'm just checking.

Not that I've seen. I think a lot of people recognise the role that he is asked to play and that is part of the reason why they think Lowton would be a better fit, that role capitalises on what are Lowton's perceived strengths and Roberts' weaknesses (defending and passing).

The other issue, as had been alluded to, is that he was bought as one of the best of in the championship and doesn't seem to have kicked on to that next level. Compare him to Brownhill who has clearly progressed and developed and it isn't as easy to say that about Roberts.

[CoolClaret]

We need to get behind Roberts and show our support for him. There is a very good player there, and I have no doubt he will show his qualities for Wales tonight.Cannot see this cry for Lowton to start. We have done the virtual impossible this year and moved out all the "deadwood" and in my opinion several still to go, but a more difficult task than we think, particularly if still under contract.We have some great prospects that have been brought in, not getting game time, so the likes of Lowton, Barnes, Long for me should not make the match squad, and for me JBG might fall into this camp too soon

Really harsh to lump Lowts and JBG in there.

Lowts was still performing at a decent level last season and done enough in training to not get the complete cold shoulder despite signing CJ (remember he started at Shrewsbury)

With JBG, all signs point to Kompany actually rating him… He’s done ok this season - hampered by injuries of course but he came on and changed the game against Bristol City

[claretonthecoast1882]

We need to get behind Roberts and show our support for him. There is a very good player there, and I have no doubt he will show his qualities for Wales tonight.Cannot see this cry for Lowton to start. We have done the virtual impossible this year and moved out all the "deadwood" and in my opinion several still to go, but a more difficult task than we think, particularly if still under contract.We have some great prospects that have been brought in, not getting game time, so the likes of Lowton, Barnes, Long for me should not make the match squad, and for me JBG might fall into this camp too soon

In fairness you have championed Roberts since the day he arrived, hopefully he lives up to your expectations

[RVclaret]

Not that I've seen. I think a lot of people recognise the role that he is asked to play and that is part of the reason why they think Lowton would be a better fit, that role capitalises on what are Lowton's perceived strengths and Roberts' weaknesses (defending and passing).

The other issue, as had been alluded to, is that he was bought as one of the best of in the championship and doesn't seem to have kicked on to that next level. Compare him to Brownhill who has clearly progressed and developed and it isn't as easy to say that about Roberts.

This post basically is everything I find incorrect about this whole debate.

1. There has been slating of Roberts and even borderline abuse at matches. Many on this thread have still not grasped his role (I refer to a comment on the previous page ‘Lowton would get forward better’)

2. Lowton has never played in a high line possession team that uses positional play, Roberts has. Kompany is the one that’s seeing them in training and has told Lowton he won’t be getting many minutes this season, I take it there’s a good reason for that.

3. He was one of the best WING BACKS in the league (created 2nd most chances in the entire league, Swansea fans thought we’d had their pants down with the 2.5m fee), we have not played him in that role since he joined. By wing back I am referring to how Maatsen plays for us or in a 3/5 at the back system.

I’m no Roberts fan boy but I don’t see how people are still struggling with this concept. Its a new role and he himself has said the coaching staff are giving him good feedback, Kompany himself has said Roberts is a player who PL clubs would be keen on due to his ability to play different roles and understand when / why.

[aggi]

This post basically is everything I find incorrect about this whole debate.

1. There has been slating of Roberts and even borderline abuse at matches. Many on this thread have still not grasped his role (I refer to a comment on the previous page ‘Lowton would get forward better’)

2. Lowton has never played in a high line possession team that uses positional play, Roberts has. Kompany is the one that’s seeing them in training and has told Lowton he won’t be getting many minutes this season, I take it there’s a good reason for that.

3. He was one of the best WING BACKS in the league (created 2nd most chances in the entire league, Swansea fans thought we’d had their pants down with the 2.5m fee), we have not played him in that role since he joined. By wing back I am referring to how Maatsen plays for us or in a 3/5 at the back system.

I’m no Roberts fan boy but I don’t see how people are still struggling with this concept. Its a new role and he himself has said the coaching staff are giving him good feedback, Kompany himself has said Roberts is a player who PL clubs would be keen on due to his ability to play different roles and understand when / why.

OK. The majority on here have grasped his role. Some haven't but there are plenty who have and still aren't convinced by Roberts.

Using the absence of past performance in this formation doesn't really prove a player can't play it, most of the better performers this season played in that same system as Lowton and we'd have been more than happy for someone like Tarkowski, who has never played in a high line possession team that uses positional play, to stay.

Obviously Kompany has seen them in training and made his pick but if we trotted that out for every discussion this board would be a dull place.

As you say, Roberts isn't playing the role that many think he's best suited to so it's not surprising that some are questioning whether he should be first choice in a different role. There's also the value of experience that Lowton brings that is hard to quantify.

Maybe Roberts will grow into the role, maybe he won't. The coverage of it being a new role, etc suggests that there's an acknowledgment that he hasn't yet. He's not a disaster but as one of the more senior players he hasn't adapted to a new role the same as some of the others have.

[Targetman]

I understand the role that Roberts is being asked to play and I'm not criticising him for any of that. He does have plenty of energy enabling him to get up and down the pitch.

Occasionally he pops up from nowhere when we are attacking and gets himself in good positions around the penalty spot.

However he does tend at times to give the ball away in potentially dangerous positions. Also when he gets the chance to whip in a cross from just outside the penalty area his delivery isn't always the best.

So as far as my personal opinion goes, there are definitely pros and cons with his performances.
When out and about I have spoken to many more people than not who would like Egan-Riley or Lowton to be given a chance in that position.

[aggi]

Looks like Kompany may also be of the opinion that Roberts hasn't been performing as well as hoped.

[Rileybobs]

Looks like Kompany may also be of the opinion that Roberts hasn't been performing as well as hoped.

Kompany just doesn’t understand the role that Roberts is being asked to play.

[Colburn_Claret]

Roberts is asked to play a different way to Vitinho, so it isn't fair to compare them.
Playing with Tella in front of him, instead of Benson, makes a world of difference to the openings to push on.
Cullen has also switched to the right, to cover Vitinho going forward, where previously he has operated down the left covering Maatsen.

No question Veet has looked awesome in that role, and I'm not pushing for a change, but it's still wrong to dig at Roberts, when he can only do what VK asks him to.

[Mattster]

Not being on the bench suggests to me Roberts was injured.

[northeastclaret]

IMO Roberts is asked to play a different way to Vitinho because he doesn’t have the same skills, he is much more limited.

We look far better on the right with Roberts not playing .

Remember the when he played the Hull scorer onside and he was the only Burnley defender to see the whole line. School boy error. As was his mistake against WBA etc

I know VK said he was ill, but I just wonder when he was told he wasn’t starting against Swansea, his team and with the World Cup approaching, whether he wasn’t in the frame of mind to sit on the bench?

[Lancasterclaret]

I think its Vitinhios shirt to lose after his last two performances, but it would be interesting to see how Roberts would have done against such an open side as Swansea