Matt Kilgallon has told BBC Radio Leeds that he actually thought that Patrick Bamford did well for Leeds United in their win over Southampton despite failing to find the back of the net once again on Saturday.
Leeds collected a huge victory in the battle to stay in the Premier League. But it was an unlikely goalscorer who secured the Whites the win, with Junior Firpo scoring with 13 minutes remaining.
Leeds were the better side throughout. And they certainly looked the more dangerous. However, it is probably fair to say that the home side did not test Gavin Bazunu anywhere near enough at Elland Road.
Kilgallon praises Bamford after display against Southampton
Of course, several players have to take responsibility for that. Crysencio Summerville had a golden chance late on. Meanwhile, Weston McKennie squandered a couple of good openings, either for himself or Brenden Aaronson.
But Bamford is the main man responsible for finding the back of the net, particularly with Rodrigo sidelined with injury.
It has now been seven games since Bamford scored for the Whites. He will be frustrated with that record. And fans will be hoping that he rediscovers his scoring form soon.
However, Kilgallon felt that the 29-year-old played extremely well given what was demanded of him up against the Southampton defence.
“Do you know what? I actually thought he did well. I thought he occupied the two centre-halves. He didn’t let them have anything easy. He did make some really good runs, especially first-half,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“And do you know what? I think he did hold it up alright. I think he did a few good touches off, first-time touches, passes to get people in.
“What I do like about him, he doesn’t let a centre-half have a free header. He gets his body in somehow. He’s not the biggest height-wise, but he won’t let a defender have a clean header. He’s doing his best up there. And I thought he did a good job.”
Leeds are going to need Bamford to step up in front of goal if we are going to stay up. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be enough goals coming from elsewhere in the squad right now.
In previous games, he has squandered some brilliant chances.
That was not the case against Southampton. And once again, he showed how much he brings to the overall game.
There was not the same drop-off when Bamford came off as there had been against Manchester United. But it is definitely clear that the Whites are a much better unit when he is leading the line.
If he can add a few goals to his tally in the weeks ahead, the situation is going to be a looking a lot brighter for Javi Gracia’s men.
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