‘He will punish you’… Wayne Rooney singles out one Leeds United player for praise after Monday

Add as preferred source on Google

Wayne Rooney watched on as his struggling Birmingham City side were well beaten by Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday afternoon – and he singled out Patrick Bamford for praise, post-match.

It has not been easy for the one-time England man – even Daniel Farke has admitted as such. A player Michael Dawson says can play in the Premier League, forced to watch from the bench every week.

But Bamford, 30, was handed a surprise start on Monday afternoon. His 17th Championship outing of the 23-24 season, his first start of the campaign. The striker broke the deadlock, just after 30 minutes.

A player that has not scored since April, and has come in for huge criticism in the midst of relegation and missing penalties against both Newcastle United in the Premier League – and then Stoke, this term.

But he took his goal with aplomb. Dan James did what he does best, going past a full-back and getting a cross into the box. Bamford leaped well, and the star hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity.

He planted a header into the back of the net, and the joy on his face was plain for all to see. A massive goal for him, and for Leeds – as we went on to win 3-0. Rooney identified his ability in the penalty area.

“First goal big difference to the game. Changed the system with three centre-backs. You cannot leave Patrick Bamford free in the six-yard box, he will punish you,” Rooney said, as quoted by Leeds Live.

Wayne Rooney praises Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford

So, where does the win leave Leeds in the table? Well, we remain in fourth. But Monday proved to be a good day for us – not just because of the win. Ipswich, Southampton and West Brom dropped points.

Ipswich’s inability to win any of their last five has seen the gap between the top two and the chasing pack reduce to just three points. Southampton are now in third, three behind Kieran McKenna’s side.

Leeds are another four behind Southampton. But the win will be a huge boost going into what is a bit of a free hit this weekend, the third round of The FA Cup against Peterborough. There is still lots to play for.