Alan Shearer criticised Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford on Match of the Day on BBC One (10:48pm, January 2, 2021) for his role in the third goal that Tottenham Hotspur scored against them.
Tottenham eased past Leeds 3-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League at the weekend.
Toby Alderweireld scored the third goal for Spurs from a corner in the 50th minute. The Belgium international central defender flicked a header towards goal that Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier failed to keep out.
While analysing the goal, Newcastle legend Shearer, who now works as a pundit for BBC Sport, criticised Leeds striker Bamford – who cost the Whites £7 million when they signed him from Middlesbrough in the summer of 2018, as reported by Sky Sports – for not knowing what to do during the corner at the near post.
Shearer said on Match of the Day on BBC One (10:48pm, January 2, 2021): “Bamford’s body position is all wrong for someone there at the near post. He should be on the half turn. He hasn’t got a clue what’s in and around him.”
In defence of Patrick Bamford
While Shearer has a point and it must be acknowledged that Leeds do set-piece routines during training sessions, it should be noted that Bamford is a striker.
Perhaps it would make sense for Bamford not to have to defend corners. Maybe the English striker should be outside the Leeds penalty area, ready to pounce for a breakaway goal.
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