Leeds United players Patrick Bamford, Kemar Roofe and Pontus Jansson “would all be terrific additions to the Premier League”, according to Henry Winter.
The Times’ chief football writer drooled over the Yorkshire giants after they gave automatic promotion rivals West Brom a 4-0 hiding at Elland Road on Friday night.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Winter highlighted what makes Leeds special, including the “finishing” of Bamford and Roofe, and the “defending and charisma” of Jansson.
Bamford’s finishing, Roofe’s finishing, Jansson’s defending and charisma, others’ class too, good kids, #lufc intensity, Bielsa’s managerial magic and mystique, Elland Road’s atmosphere, Radrizzani’s ambition…would all be terrific additions to the Premier League…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 1, 2019
Thanks Tom. Leeds are a great club, proper support, would bring great noise to PL.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 1, 2019
OPINION
There’s one glaring omission from Winter’s appraisal of the Leeds team that delivered a stunning statement to the rest of the Championship on Friday night: Pablo Hernandez. The Spanish maestro laid the foundations for the demolition job with the opening goal after just 16 seconds and a performance that reeked class and composure. Hernandez may turn 34 next month, but he is getting better and even more effective, and has the quality continue to be a major influence back in the Premier League next season. That said, it is difficult to question the other three players namechecked by Winter; Roofe has spearheaded the attack impressively all campaign, Jansson is possibly the best centre-back outside of the Premier League and Bamford is a striker with the skill-set to through in the top flight. Leeds are going places and have the passion and fanbase to add something authentic and colourful to the occasionally monochrome Premier League.