Stephen Warnock has told Sky Sports News that he is “unconvinced” by striker Patrick Bamford despite the Leeds United star scoring his 50th goal for the club on Sunday – during our 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Elland Road.
Bamford, 29, flicked a Brenden Aaronson corner into the top corner on Sunday afternoon. The first of six goals at Elland Road but unfortunately for Leeds, the next five were scored by Palace. The England star lasted 79 minutes.
It has been a testing couple of years for Bamford. He has managed just 35 appearances for Leeds over the past two seasons in all competitions. It is a stark contrast to the season in which Leeds gained promotion – playing 38 times.
In that time, he had a hand in 25 goals – scoring 17 and creating eight. So clearly, he is capable. Ex-Leeds skipper Warnock gave his verdict on £74k-a-week Bamford. He is not “convinced” and thinks he was better without crowds.
“I’m not convinced with Bamford. I watched some of his movements against Palace. He doesn’t get in goalscoring positions. Wants to link up on the edge of the box. Get between the goalposts, get yourself in the centre of the goal.
“Not so sure (if Bamford work rate a hangover from Bielsa). I just think it’s his way. We don’t look at Patrick Bamford and say he is prolific, do we? I think he had a great spell when there were no crowds in, but not now,” Warnock said.
Warnock unconvinced by Bamford despite Leeds star scoring 50th goal
It is fair to say that Bamford has not been the same player he was in that 2020-21 season, since then. Perhaps, it is the crowds that have had an impact – or more likely, it is because Bamford has been in and out of the physio room.
The last few months have been Bamford’s best run without an injury for a while – despite missing the defeat away at Chelsea. He raised expectation in that season where he scored 17 times, and is yet to meet those expectations.
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