Nigel Martyn has told LeedsUnited.News that Patrick Bamford had a night he will never forget against Aston Villa after the Leeds ace netted a hat-trick on Friday – and even discussed the striker’s chances of breaking into the England side.
Leeds made it three wins from six Premier League games last time out, after previously beating Sheffield United and Fulham by one-goal margins. It was easily the club’s best performance since their return to the Premier League.
Bamford, meanwhile, took his tally for the season to six Premier League goals in the same amount of games, with three excellent finishes against Villa during the 3-0 away win. The striker is in the form of his life at the moment.
Martyn spoke about the win and how Dean Smith’s side suited Leeds perfectly, especially after the 7-2 win over Liverpool. He predicted clubs to stop going all-out attack against Leeds, as exploiting the space in behind suits Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
“It was the perfect performance,” Martyn told LeedsUnited.News. “The game was set up nicely for us. Villa, off the back of beating Liverpool so heavily, will have been full of confidence and pushing on. That was perfect for Leeds.
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“When there is a turnover, they’re [Leeds] so good at accurate passing and quick one-touch passing which passes through a huge section of players. They have huge energy from midfield, and they will hurt teams.
“The more teams come at Leeds, the more dangerous we can be. We will see a cull of all-out attack against Leeds, because teams will begin to understand that is when Leeds are at their best. “
Bamford’s goals handed Leeds a third win of the season, but the striker’s form is somewhat surprising. He was heavily scrutinised last season, but his form in the top tier is quickly changing opinion among supporters.
Some fans have suggested over the weekend that Bamford could follow Kalvin Phillips into the England side. Martyn discussed what Bamford needs to do to catch the eye of Gareth Southgate – comparing him to Southampton’s Danny Ings.
“He had a night he will never forget, he quoted that it was a dream come true,” Martyn continued. Asked what Bamford needed to play for England, Martyn said: “Score goals. As a striker, that’s what turns the head of the England manager.
“You wouldn’t have said Danny Ings would have been in and around the England set-up maybe four seasons ago. But he has banged the goals in for Southampton, and he is back in. You don’t have to be in a top-six side, scoring goals and recognition will come along. England comes to you.”
Bamford and Leeds are next in action on Monday evening, giving Bielsa’s men plenty of rest after last Friday’s win over Villa. They play host to Leicester City, who are fresh and full of confidence after an excellent 1-0 win over Arsenal at The Emirates.
