Javi Gracia ‘trying to help’ Patrick Bamford be his ‘best version’ at Leeds United

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Leeds United manager Javi Gracia has opened up on ‘trying to help’ Patrick Bamford be his ‘best version’ again. The striker is yet to score since the Spaniard took over at Elland Road.

Injuries have once again scuppered Bamford’s efforts to build form this season after a dire streak of absences last term. The 29-year-old has only hit the back of the net once through 16 Premier League matches. He has also only started in nine of his top-flight outings so far.

Bamford had only managed to score twice through a mere nine appearances last term due to his injury problems, too. The attacker sat out 28 of the Whites’ Premier League matches with ankle, hamstring, and foot issues. He has suffered adductor and hip injuries this term.

Injuries have now ruined Patrick Bamford’s past two seasons with Leeds United

A leg injury also ensured Bamford missed Leeds’ 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last Saturday under Gracia. The Whites boss will now hope the Grantham-born marksman can return – and can return to form – when the Elland Road natives host Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday.

Georginio Rutter started in place of Bamford at Stamford Bridge but he is still waiting for a first Leeds goal. Their defeat in west London also left the West Yorkshire outfit 17th in the Premier League table. They only sit outside of the drop zone on goal difference to Everton.

Javi Gracia believes Patrick Bamford is still an ‘important’ player at Elland Road

Bamford proved with Leeds during the 2020/21 season following their promotion that he can deliver in the Premier League. Gareth Southgate also awarded the striker his only cap for England so far in September 2021. He scored 17 and assisted eight goals in 38 fixtures.

Injuries, though, have seen the 29-year-old fall from the heights of representing his nation and starting at Wembley. Now, Gracia hopes to help Bamford get his career back on track after replacing Jesse Marsch at Leeds as the £10m ex-Middlesbrough ace is still important.

“Patrick is an important player for us,” he said, via quotes by the Yorkshire Evening Post. “I don’t know if the level now is better or worse than before. I’m trying to help him give the best version, I try to help him do it.”