Jurgen Klopp has admitted via Liverpool’s YouTube channel that he could not believe suggestions that Patrick Bamford wasn’t good enough to lead the line for Leeds United this season.
A lot of Leeds players have acquitted themselves with absolute class since helping them win promotion back to the Premier League last summer, following a 16-year exile from the big time.
But you could argue that Bamford has been the Whites’ Player of the Season after netting 14 Premier League goals in 31 appearances so far.
Considering that Bamford – a £10 million signing by United in 2018 – was never a hugely-prolific goalscorer for Leeds even in the Championship, it’s quite a surprise to see the 27-year-old rip up the top flight.
But Liverpool boss Klopp, whose side face the Elland Road club on Monday night, has never doubted the English marksman’s ability, describing him as an ‘exceptional player’ and that it’s quite ‘rare’ to see a footballer like him.
He said: “I’m pretty sure before the season I heard on talkSPORT, people saying that Leeds need a proper goalscorer, Bamford is not good enough, stuff like this. I’m so happy that he could prove them all wrong!
“He’s an exceptional player. The work-rate is outstanding, and he still plays the football he plays on top of that, and scores goals. That’s rare. They have a lot of interesting players, but Bamford, I’m really happy for him. I dont know him, obviously, but it’s a nice career, a little bit later than others but still very impressive.”
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