Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts hails influence of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale

Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts has hailed Gareth Bale's influence on his career to date, believing he is the best player he has played alongside.

Roberts joined the Whites ranks in January 2018 from West Bromwich Albion and has made 45 appearances for the club scoring six goals in the process.

The 21-year-old has also been part of the Wales youth set-up in his formative years as a footballer having been capped from the Under-17s national side up to the senior team.

Roberts has now made seven appearances for his country and helped guide them to Euro 2020 qualification before this summer's postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Whites playmaker, though, has paid tribute to the Real Madrid winger for his advice and guidance in his younger days.

“It would have to be Gareth Bale," he told the club website over who was the best player he had played with.

"The first few times I linked up with the senior side with Wales I was star struck. It was like wow he’s actually there and he’s my teammate.

"It was crazy, but then you’ve got to play with him and he’s just another player, you can’t treat him any different on the pitch.

"It is great to learn off him and be around someone who has done so much in the game.

"I trained with the Wales side before they went to the Euros in 2016 and after that training camp he had a word with me.

"He could see I was talented and spoke about how important it was to work hard and listen to the right coaches and not to get too far ahead of myself.

"It was nice to hear that from him and that he took the time to come and say that when I was 15 or 16."