Dean Ashton says that he has changed his mind about Patrick Bamford, comparing the Leeds United striker to Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane on talkSPORT (9 February, 2:00pm).
While Marcelo Bielsa’s forward-thinking thrill-seekers stormed to the Championship title last season, making local legends of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and co, it is fair to say the club’s divisive number nine still had his fair share of doubters amongst the Elland Road fanbase.
No one could ever question Bamford’s work-rate, or his suitability to Bielsa’s possession-heavy tactics.
But, when it came to putting the ball in the back of the net, the £7 million striker was not entirely convincing.
He scored just 16 goals in 43 Championship starts in 2020/21; with a tendency to squander golden opportunities meaning even the most optimistic of Leeds supporters harboured doubts about whether he could make the step up to life in the Premier League.
It is to Bamford’s credit, then, that his critics are about as quiet as a church mouse in the Crucible these days.
With 12 goals and five assists in 22 top-flight games, the 27-year-old has been one of this season’s surprise packages. So much so that, despite the form of Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their may be a seat on England’s Euro 2020 plane with his name on it.
“I’ve been quite critical of him, certainly last season, due to the amount of chances he missed. But I’m being converted. You can’t help but admire his performances,” said former West Ham and Norwich striker Ashton.
“Not only is he adding a fantastic goal record, it’s his all-round performances that have really impressed me.
“You’d have to say he is the closest to the type of striker Harry Kane is. (Kane) is a special talent but, if you’re talking about a replacement to start a game for England, if Harry Kane is unfit, then Patrick Bamford probably fits the mould the most in terms of being able to bring players into the game.
“He is one of the best at it, one of the most unselfish, and his work-rate is incredible as well.”
Ashton, however, believes there is still room for improvement. Does Bamford have the killer instinct required to strike in those vital moments?
“But in a tournament, is he going to come on and get you a goal. He’s missed the most big chances in the Premier League of any striker – double the amount of Mo Salah – and he’s essentially playing for a top six side when you look at chances created,” Ashton added.
“His conversion rate isn’t as good as the other strikers and that’s the only worry I have.”
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