Paul Merson believes Leeds United have a ‘massive player’ in Patrick Bamford given all the striker can offer at Elland Road, speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (20/11, 13:16).
Bamford joined the Whites from Middlesbrough in 2018 in a transfer worth up to £10m. He was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s first signings after the Argentine took charge in West Yorkshire.
The Grantham-born striker has since proven essential to Bielsa’s plans after overcoming an injury-plagued first few months. But is back in the treatment room, and his absence shows.
Bamford has missed Leeds’ last six Premier League games after sustaining an ankle injury at Newcastle United in September. He will also miss Sunday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 28-year-old had scored once and provided two assists over his five top-flight starts this season. But Merson also praises all the extra parts that Bamford offers in the Leeds attack.
“Bamford, I think he’s a massive player for them, massive player,” Merson said. “He holds the line, brings players into the game, he opens the game up where he would always go and try and run beyond the centre-halves. That opens it up for everyone else.”
Bamford absence a continued blow for Bielsa and Leeds
Bamford’s absence through injury comes as a continued blow to Bielsa and Leeds, as they strive to move clear of the Premier League drop zone after a difficult start to the season.
Bielsa is still yet to discover his ideal solution to replace all that Bamford offers Leeds and what Merson praises.
Rodrigo has mostly filled his void in the line-up, but Dan James and Jack Harrison have also featured at centre-forward.
Although James’ finishing against Leicester would raise question marks over Bielsa reviving that experiment for the Whites’ trip to Tottenham.
Harrison has also endured an underwhelming season, with the 25-year-old yet to score or provide a single assist.
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