Video - Leeds United: Versatile Roofe is best playing as striker admits boss

THOMAS Christiansen has hailed the effect of Kemar Roofe in his Leeds United squad, admitting the star's best position is up front.
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Roofe has often been used as a winger since his switch from Oxford United in July 2016 but the 24-year-old has always maintained that his favoured position is as a striker.

With Pierre-Michel Lasooga already missing with a calf injury, Roofe was moved to the lone striker role in last weekend’s Championship clash at Queens Park Rangers after Caleb Ekuban also became injured and the hitman responded by netting a second-half hat-trick in a 3-1 win.

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With Lasogga and Ekuban both still sidelined, Roofe is set to again lead the United line for today’s Championship clash with Norwich City at Elland Road. It is another case of Christiansen shuffling his pack and United’s head coach admits that Roofe’s versatility is hugely beneficial for his side with the Dane admitting that Roofe is best suited to playing up front.

Kemar RoofeKemar Roofe
Kemar Roofe

“I believe it is his best position,” admitted Christiansen.

“As winger, striker, second striker, whatever I put him as, he makes good work.

“But of course he’s a striker, he likes to play as a striker and he proved that he’s a very good option for me there.

“It’s good and it’s good that in this moment when you don’t have players upfront that you can take the use of him.”

Pierre-Michel LasoggaPierre-Michel Lasogga
Pierre-Michel Lasogga
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Christiansen and Leeds were waiting to learn more about the extent of Ekuban’s foot injury yesterday but Lasogga is set to rejoin the full group for full training next week.

“It’s important to have these options,” added Christiansen.

“Right now we don’t have too many to take and that will make it easier, there is no doubt.

“But I am happy with the XI that I can put out on Saturday.”

Caleb EkubanCaleb Ekuban
Caleb Ekuban

Roofe is now United’s joint leading scorer for the campaign with nine goals, the same as Spanish no 10 Samuel Saiz.

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Ruben Neves’ 34th-minute goal earned Wolves a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday and took them seven points clear at the top of the Championship last night.The Owls had Morgan Fox sent off with five minutes to go.