Leeds United stars travelling to Australia under pressure to perform as Jesse Marsch considers options

In a little over a weeks’ time, Leeds United will be boarding a flight bound for Australia. The Whites have three friendlies scheduled to take place Down Under next month, with Brisbane Roar, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace all lined up.

Jesse Marsch will have around two weeks of training with his side, too, and he’ll be keen to make his mark on the side as the start of the Premier League season edges ever closer. However, it’s fair to say a number of Leeds players will be keen to make a positive impression and catch the eye while they’re on the other side of the world, too.

Of course, the point of a pre-season is to prepare for the new campaign and every player will aim to be fit enough to hit the ground running come August 6. However, a strong showing in Australia is more important to some members of the squad than others.

Tyler Roberts will be one man who ought to be on a mission to impress this summer, for example. The Wales international struggled for consistency in the side last season under Marcelo Bielsa and a hamstring tendon rupture just a few minutes into his first outing under Marsch in March effectively ended his campaign.

As such, Marsch won’t have seen too much of Roberts on the field at Thorp Arch and he’ll be keeping a watchful eye on his progression over the coming weeks. The 23-year-old will be desperate to play more than just a bit part role this season and while the signing of Brenden Aaronson only adds to the competition he faces, he’ll be striving to nail down a regular spot.

Given his age and the upcoming World Cup, that’s exactly what he needs and he has the ability to earn a place in Marsch’s thoughts should he prove his worth in the game time available to him next month.

Rodrigo can count