Patrick Bamford is gaining a very likeable reputation with his work in the media this season, both when it comes to post-match interviews – or his behind-the-scenes tales on the official Leeds United podcast. In the latest episode, the Leeds striker spoke of what Kalvin Phillips told him after the England midfielder’s gorgeous pass to Jack Harrison in the build-up to the fourth goal against Burnley – and Leeds fans have responded to his claim.
Leeds have since played another match following the 4-0 win over Burnley, also beating Southampton away from home 2-0. Although it would need a swing of more than 10 goals in their favour, Leeds are only three points behind seventh-placed Tottenham Hotspur – who sit in the Europa Conference League spot. To achieve that with only one game left is pretty incredible for a newly-promoted side.
The 4-0 win away at Burnley was one of our side’s best of the season. Not only were Leeds tight defensively, but they were so clinical going forward – something that was missing from the year in which Leeds gained promotion. Rodrigo notched a brace – as he continues his resurgent form in the final games of the season – but it was the build up to his second goal that caught the eye.
In the dying embers of the match, England midfielder Phillips was laid the ball off and first time – he has pinged a ball out to Manchester City loanee Jack Harrison, probably longer than 50 yards. With many long balls, you expect a great deal of height but the way in which Phillips has struck the pass, meant it stayed low throughout the entire length – as if he had struck the ball with a 3 iron. An absolute joy to watch.
Speaking about the pass, Bamford told the Leeds podcast: “Do you know what he said? He said I was so tired that I just thought i’m just gonna leather it and hope that it gets there. And he’s absolutely just zinged it. It was like Paul Scholes.” His commented prompted plenty of reaction from Leeds fans on Twitter, with the majority finding it hilarious.