Pundit Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he has now changed his opinion on Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford.
Bamford was in blistering form on Friday night, smashing a hat-trick to give Leeds a 3-0 away win over a red-hot Aston Villa side.
His second and third goals were outstanding left-footed finishes, showing off his technique as his superb start to the Premier League season continued.
The 27-year-old has now hit six goals in six Premier League outings, bagging one assist along the way as he defies his doubters.
Bamford wasn’t always respected in the Championship, despite scoring 16 goals last season, and he is now making headlines in the top flight.
Some are having to adjust their verdicts on Bamford, and one of them is pundit Crooks, who has shared his thoughts on the Leeds goalscorer.
Crooks admitted that he always thought Bamford was an ‘exceptional’ finisher even at Chelsea, but didn’t have enough to his all-round game.
Crooks now claims that Bamford has won his respect and admiration having produced ‘world-class’ finished, and having previously been unsure about Bamford, Crooks says he has changed his mind and now understands his quality.
“I saw this lad play when he was a scholar at Chelsea and thought he was an exceptional finisher but couldn’t play. I was fascinated with his moves to various clubs and followed his progress but never thought he was good enough for the Premier League,” said Crooks.
“What I’ve seen so far this season from him only increased my curiosity. His hat-trick against Aston Villa on Friday won my respect and admiration. Goals two and three were top-class finishes but his willingness to work for the team has left me mesmerised. I have deliberately resisted selecting Bamford for my Team of the Week because I wasn’t sure about him. I am now,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
