Patrick Bamford is yet to play a single minute this season but he has the backing of Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, who told Friday’s press conference that when Bamford is fit and confident, he’s “priceless”.
Bamford, 30, impressed during pre-season and scored in a win over his old side Nottingham Forest. But a trip to Hearts saw the one-time England man pick up an injury – keeping him sidelined right until now.
Back in training this week, the striker could be available against Watford but the likelihood is that Farke looks to give him more time on the training pitch – before bringing him in at Southampton next weekend.
Asked about Bamford in Friday’s presser, Farke said that when Bamford is fit and with rhythm – Leeds have a “priceless” player on their hands. But, he is aware that Leeds need to be careful with Bamford.
“We will still be careful him. This week has not been the easiest week for him to come back into training, because it has been small groups. Next week will be beneficial, we will have time on the pitch,” he said.
“He needs game time. A fit Bamford, who has rhythm and confidence is priceless. He proved this during pre-season,” Farke continued during Friday’s press conference, on Leeds United’s YouTube channel.
Daniel Farke: Patrick Bamford is priceless to Leeds when he is fit
Bamford is just one of those, you never know what you are going to get. A top striker that knows how to score goals in the Championship, and in the Premier League. But injuries have got the better of him.
Hopefully, with Joel Piroe on board and Georginio Rutter firing, Leeds do not need to rush Bamford in to the side. Perhaps, that is where Leeds went wrong in the past – and Bamford got injured. Needs time.
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