OPINION
Simon Grayson revealed his doubts about Leeds United attacker Patrick Bamford and was completely right to do so.
The former Whites manager shared that while he thought the 25-year-old was a natural finisher, he believes the attacker wasn’t very good at holding up the ball.
Grayson suggested the solution to fix this weakness in Bamford’s game was to play another forward alongside him or play the 25-year-old in the No.10 position instead.
“If you’re gonna play someone like Patrick Bamford I think you need someone else to play alongside him to take the physical presence away from himself,” said Grayson on talkSPORT 2 (Sunday April 28th, 12:48pm).
“He does like to drift around, maybe him and Roofe if their both fit together, which hasn’t happened a lot this season could work as Roofe could run in behind.
“Then maybe he could play as a No.10, getting into the box and the wide areas as he is a naturally good finisher when chances come along but hold up play isn’t one of his key strengths.”
While Grayson is spot-on to doubt Bamford as his hold-up play is woefully disappointing, the answer isn’t to make him a No.10 or have Kemar Roofe play alongside him.
When Bamford has played alongside Roofe they haven’t looked able to complement each other, and in the No.10 position it’s hard to imagine the forward getting the same amount of goals.
The 25-year-old thrives off getting chances in the box and playing slightly deeper might see those opportunities dry up.
Bamford, aside from his silly antics against Villa, has been useful for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as he has scored 10 goals this season; but is capable of more.
The forward has been wasteful with his chances during matches and while Grayson bizarrely dubs the player a natural finisher, if he isn’t good enough to lead the line, he isn’t going to be good enough no matter who you partner him with.