Walsall-born Roberts, who has firmly established himself as the Saddlers' first-choice stopper over the last twelve months, thinks that Keates has not only improved the team's performances, but also their mentality
The 24-year-old thinks that, despite the defence being the same as that which struggled for much of last season, they are communicating much better and putting their bodies on the line for the cause.
Speaking via the Express & Star, Liam said; "I think with the gaffer coming in there’s a different mentality to the whole defensive unit. We are more positive, we play on the front foot and I think we are defending further up field now so we are defending higher up the pitch.
"We’re working as a team and there’s a lot more communication, there is a massive togetherness within the squad. The defenders have been outstanding, ever since pre-season. They’ve come in with a different mindset.
"I’ll always praise them because they’re doing an excellent job in front of me - and the less I have to do the better it is for the team. They’re doing an outstanding job and putting their bodies on the line to keep the ball out of the net."