Tim Sherwood was critical of Patrick Bamford for not turning up during Leeds United’s 2-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Saturday at the Etihad.
In what was Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge of Leeds United, it was Patrick Bamford who was handed the number nine keys over the club’s top-scorer this season – Rodrigo.
The latter would come off the bench to score a late goal, but Sherwood wasn’t too impressed with the £10 million man (BBC Sport) who started the game as he stated that ‘he was so poor’ and ‘he never even run around’.
Playing that central number nine position is hard enough, then try to do it at the Etihad against Manchester City when they have an average possession of 80%.
Even if Erling Haaland had to swap roles with Bamford, he would struggle, so it’s understandable if those players are off it.
Sherwood touched upon that, but was still critical of Bamford and Leeds’ back four, as he told Premier League Productions (06/05/23 at 5:05 pm).
“Did anyone see Patrick Bamford today,” asked Sherwood. “I mean he was so poor. He never even run around.
“He tries his best. But he was isolated. You have to give him sympathy for that.”
On Gundogan’s goals: “I find it amazing that you can leave Gundogan in that much space – Robles is unsighted so he drags it into the bottom corner.
“You have to put pressure on when you are 20 yards to your goal. But there is no pressure. What they are doing is getting bodies behind the ball. We have seen ten in their own box for both goals. But there is still so much time for Gundogan to roll the ball into the back of the net.
“Them four central defenders are very narrow and doing nothing. They need to be pushing people on.”
WILL BAMFORD START V NEWCASTLE UNITED?
Allardyce’s first home game in charge will be against one of his former sides – and he has many – Newcastle United, who are pushing for Champions League football.
Leeds can’t afford to have such little possession and the ball at Elland Road because, whilst that tactic was understandable against Man City, the points are needed in their relegation fight.
It will be interesting to see if Allardyce sticks with the same XI, or brings Rodrigo into the XI, or even play both the Spaniard and the one-cap England international.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
