Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah joined Leeds United on loan on transfer deadline day.
Patrick Bamford has told BBC Radio Leeds that he expects Eddie Nketiah to play an important role for Leeds this season, and is the kind of signing that will excite the Elland Road faithful during his loan spell.
Leeds made a statement on transfer deadline day as they were the team to win the race to loan Nketiah from Arsenal for this season. And he provided an indication as to why he is so highly-rated on his debut for the Whites as he scored in the Carabao Cup win over Salford City earlier this week.
It was Bamford who kept his place for the league clash against Wigan on Saturday. The 25-year-old had been under a bit of pressure to ensure that the calls for Nketiah to start did not get too loud heading into Wednesday’s clash with Brentford, but he enjoyed the kind of afternoon that would have further silenced his critics.
Bamford scored both goals in the 2-0 win that has lifted Leeds to the top of the table. Nketiah was an unused substitute in the victory, and it would be no surprise to see him remain on the bench when the Bees visit during the coming week. But Bamford insisted that the youngster’s time will come at some stage.
“It’s always good to have options for the manager and for the club,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “People were saying, ‘all the pressures is on your shoulders’, but I don’t really see it like that.
“It’s a great opportunity for him. It’s his first time out on loan. I know he’s been in and around the Arsenal first-team, but to be actually part of a main squad, he’ll learn a lot I think. He’ll have an important part to play in the season so it’s something the fans can look forward to.”
Marcelo Bielsa has shown during his time in charge that he will stay loyal to those players who have earned their spot – even when their form has been called into question. So it is not going to be easy for Nketiah to force his way into the team, especially as Bamford has not only contributed goals, but is also winning plaudits for the other questions that he is asking.
Perhaps that will help the Gunners ace. Once he secures a chance, he will likely be even more determined to replicate what he did at Salford and make sure that he does everything he can to keep his spot.
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