Michael Bridges says Leeds United attacker has been ‘bad and ‘wonderful’ at times this season

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Leeds United’s front four has often proved too much for Championship opposition. Whoever plays in the front four roles have starred this season at times, with Leeds scoring a huge 80 goals in 44 games.

Leeds scoring the fourth-most goals this season, one behind Leicester and five behind both Ipswich and Southampton – the Whites have the best goal difference, given we have only conceded 37 goals.

Crysencio Summerville has had a hand in 30 goals in all competitions, Georginio Rutter has produced 25 goals and assists. Dan James and Willy Gnonto have fought to play on the right wing of the front four.

James has produced another 20 goals and assists, Gnonto another 10. Up top, Patrick Bamford scored his ninth goal of the season on Monday – all of which have come after the turn of the year. Joe Piroe has 12.

What Michael Bridges has said about Patrick Bamford…

Rutter and Summerville’s numbers are superb, but Bamford deserves credit given he has only started 16 of his 36 games. Eight of his nine goals have come when the one-time England star has started for us.

A difficult season that at times, has been “wonderful” according to former Leeds striker Michael Bridges. Speaking ahead of Monday’s win on LUTV’s preview show, Bridges said his season has been “bad”, too.

“The season he has had, he’s had a bad spell with injury – knock-on effects. He got his opportunity, he’s had a scoring spree, some wonderful goals, penalty miss. His season has been like that [up and down].”

Patrick Bamford is ‘invaluable’; win rate with, and without him

On the surface, strikers get judged on goals. If Bamford is to be judged on goals, then of course, things aren’t as good as they can be. But Bamford is so much more than just his goals. His work rate is superb.

Jon Newsome said he is “invaluable” and that is because of everything he does that the camera doesn’t pick up. His work rate, and importantly, his ability to dictate two centre-backs, helping his teammates.

When Bamford hasn’t started, Leeds have won 54 out of a possible 87 points. With Bamford, 36 points out of 45. Without him, 62% of the possible points accrued. With him, 80%. Bamford is absolutely crucial.