Tony Dorigo has told LUTV that Patrick Bamford has not been helping the Leeds United side this season due to his injuries – but praised the striker for his “fantastic” goal and hopes he can score five or six before the end of the season.
Bamford, 29, was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up to take on Brighton. It comes after being absent from the 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. But the one-time England star lead the line and lasted 66 minutes on Saturday.
Indeed, it was Bamford that scored our first goal. After World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister had put Brighton ahead – Bamford chose to shoot from the edge of the box with his right foot. Via a slight deflection, it hit the bar and went in.
A Jack Harrison own goal saw Leeds go 2-1 down, only for Harrison to take the bull by the horns and curl in a superb right-footed shot. Two left-footed players, scoring with their weaker foot. Dorigo discussed Bamford and his injuries.
“His goal was fantastic. He’s been out for such a long time and he’s a goalscorer. He’s not helping the side when he’s injured. We needed him to get back fit, and sharp. Slight deflection on his goal but you know what, he took a chance.
“Hopefully, you know, he goes on to get another five or six between now and the end of the season. That would be vital,” Dorigo said, when discussing the match at Elland Road on LUTV, with Bamford scoring his fourth of the season.
Dorigo says Bamford injuries have not helped Leeds this season
It has been a blow for Leeds to lose not only Bamford at times, but also Rodrigo. The ex-Middlesbrough man has been up and down in terms of fitness and even when fit, it looks as if he has not been 100%. That has started to re-appear.
Bamford looked sharp on Saturday. Some nice touches, good work rate and gave both Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster difficulty at the back. With Rodrigo clearly not 100%, it could be that Bamford started away at Wolves next Saturday.
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