Ivan Toney has shared that Patrick Bamford’s performances for Leeds prove that ‘someone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter’ after he slammed the people that have previously thought that he is ‘not good enough’, as he told Stadium Astro.
After coming through Newcastle’s ranks, Toney, just like Bamford who was at Chelsea, had to go down to the lower leagues to make a name for himself.
Bamford eventually found the right home at Leeds United and helped them win the Championship two seasons ago, whilst Toney scored a remarkable 31 goals as Brentford earned promotion via the play-offs last season.
Toney will now be preparing for life in the big time, as he shared his thoughts on Bamford and the similar paths they have gone down.
“His journey has been similar to mine,” said Toney. “It just goes to show someone else’s opinion doesn’t really matter. It’s just what you think and focus on what’s in your head.
“Of course, people are saying ‘he’s not good enough’. But if he deems himself good enough then that’s all that matters, as he has shown he scored a respectable amount of goals.
“I feel if you want something and stick at it then it’s achievable. He’s played in the leagues so he knows what it’s like to be playing back there and I am sure he wouldn’t want to be going back from playing in the Premier League.
“He has kept himself a Premier League striker and I am sure he will have a good career.”
Bamford was pretty unlucky not to get that England call last season, but one thing is for sure, the £10 million man (BBC Sport) isn’t far off.
There is some serious competition building for those striker places, with Harry Kane leading the line and he will probably continue to do so in years to come.
But with Bamford, Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Danny Ings and possibly Toney, it’s an area bulking up for Gareth Southgate.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
