Steve Sidwell told Optus Sport on Premier League Productions that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has ‘all the attributes’.
But the former midfielder thinks the in-form Leeds man doesn’t big himself up and ‘blow his own trumpet’.
On Friday night, Bamford scored and assisted for Leeds, as they secured three points at Fulham.
And ex-Fulham midfielder Sidwell was waxing-lyrical about the player, not long after he was snubbed by his country.
“He’s so vital to that team,” said Sidwell. “His work rate, it’s starting to get noticed now.
“The players around him, and his teammates, they know what he is worth. And his goals now. 14 league goals this season. He’s in great company, with the likes of Kane in front of him. He’s getting all the plaudits that he deserves now.
“As a midfielder, if I had a frontman like that, it just drives you on. You know it’s like a domino effect. If you have a frontman that’s going to press then you have to back him up.
“As a teammate, you don’t have to force that. That’s just in him. It’s in his DNA. That’s part of what Leeds are all about.
“He’s quite reserved, isn’t he? In terms of blowing his own trumpet. And just keeping himself grounded. But he’s got all the assets and attributes to do well.”
Bamford, who has 14 goals to his name in the Premier League, is now in the race for the Golden Boot.
Liverpool speedster Mo Salah, who has 17 to his name, is leading the charge, with the likes of Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes behind him.
Even if Bamford doesn’t finish top of that pile, just the fact that he is in between those names just goes to show how well he has performed this season.
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