Leeds United star Stuart Dallas has stated that Patrick Bamford has suffered a morale hit after missing a crucial chance in the early stages of the game against Leicester City.
The Northern Ireland international was talking to the club’s official YouTube channel about the game, discussing the fine margins that swung the balance of the tie in Leicester’s favour.
The Foxes may have gone 1-0 up early on in the game, but things could have turned out very differently had Bamford not squandered a golden opportunity in the first minute of the match.
“Of course, yeah. These things can happen you know, Patrick is a bit down that he missed the chance,” Dallas said.
“But we have to defend better at the opposite end of the pitch. Tonight we haven’t done that and we’ve been punished.”
It is understandable that Bamford is feeling low after wasting such an opportunity, but it isn’t something he can afford to dwell on.
It was only this week that Marcelo Bielsa was lauding Bamford for his increased confidence and, if that takes a hit, it could affect his form going forward.
The striker has barely put a foot wrong this season, netting six goals in seven Premier League appearances. While he has every right to be gutted about his performance against Leicester, he cannot overthink things too much.
Bamford is certainly a player whose emotions can get the better of him.
He famously cupped his ears when celebrating his brace against Millwall last season to hit back at the trolls on Twitter while he was going through a bad run.
It is clear things can play on his mind when he is on the pitch but, after such a fantastic start to the season, he can’t afford to let anything bring him down.
Hopefully, Marcelo Bielsa and his teammates rally behind him and his confidence is fully restored ahead of Leeds’ next game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
