Jesse Marsch has told Sky Sports he feels it is possible to form a ‘mutually beneficial’ bond with Patrick Bamford that can take the ‘complete striker’ to another level at Leeds United.
The 28-year-old has enthralled Marsch since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa at the Elland Road helm last month. Bamford had seldom been available to the Argentine in the Premier League this season, with a raft of injuries keeping the forward to just eight games.
Two of Bamford’s outings have come since Marsch took charge of Leeds, having featured off the bench against Aston Villa before starting against Norwich City. Although he exited the action at half-time against the Canaries, the decision was pre-planned to ease him in.
Bamford is ready to go again when Leeds travel to Wolves on Friday night, looking for just their second set of successive Premier League wins so far this season. The England ace will also hope to find the net for the first time since December 5, having spent so long injured.
Jesse Marsch feels ‘complete striker’ Patrick Bamford can help him at Leeds
Being without Bamford for 20 games between ankle, hamstring, and foot injuries has had a horrid impact on Leeds’ campaign. Only Harry Kane (23), Mohamed Salah (22) and Bruno Fernandes (18) scored more than the Grantham-born star (17) in the top-flight last season.
But Bamford has only managed two goals across his eight appearances so far this term. Yet he has still fired enough to rank fifth at Elland Road, with only Raphinha (9), Jack Harrison, Dan James and Rodrigo (4) scoring more. Joe Gelhardt and Diego Llorente also have two.
Yet it is also everything else that Bamford offers in the centre-forward role that Leeds have missed this season. And it is his ability past putting the ball in the net that enthrals Marsch, who believes more is possible together whilst he bids to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
“I like his intelligence,” Marsch said. “He’s obviously got a lot of physical qualities. He’s fast, he’s good with both feet, he can finish [and] he’s good in the air. But I like the way that he can see the game, fit into the game, make himself available, and combine.
“Then there’s the confidence he has on the ball, the ease he has to connect plays, and the aggressiveness he plays with without the ball. He is, in many ways, a complete striker.
“So, the more I can help him understand what the tactical roles are, the more I can help the team understand how to continue to play with him, and play to his strengths. I think that will be mutually beneficial.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
