There are loud calls from Leeds United fans for Patrick Bamford to be dropped to the bench in place of Eddie Nketiah.
Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews has suggested that the pressure is getting to Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford.
Leeds recorded a goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, with Bamford starting the match and then being substituted by Marcelo Bielsa at the break.
Whilst Bielsa substituting his players at half-time is the norm, Bamford coming off would have still been a confidence-drainer for a player who is already struggling for form.
Speaking to Sky Sports Football (26/10/19 at 2:55 pm), Andrews can understand why Bamford is being selected, but he thinks that he is now feeling the heat.
“In terms of the build-up play Leeds do, the movements and the patterns and the rest of it,” Andrews told Sky Sports. “If he was doing things consistently that Bielsa didn’t want he wouldn’t be doing it. He wouldn’t be in the team.
“So, we have to assume that’s what Bielsa wants from him. Drifting into wide areas at times. But has he got that instinct of being between the sticks at the right time? We have to say, no, he hasn’t, at the moment.
“Is that confidence? Is that I want to get in there? The pressure now. I think that’s nine games without getting a goal. It probably is getting to him a little bit.”
Whilst Eddie Nketiah deserves a start for his performances from the bench, it doesn’t help Bamford’s cause that fans are calling for him to be replaced.
His confidence seems shot, but given his overall play, it seems as though Bielsa is sticking and keeping faith with his man up top.
Despite Leeds’ struggles in the final third, it won’t be a surprise if Bamford does start the game against QPR next Saturday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
