A lot of Leeds United fans are praising the impact of Patrick Bamford during the Whites’ 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
Marcelo Bielsa started with Eddie Nketiah, but he struggled to deal with the physicality of the West Brom defence.
Was Bamford Leeds' best player against West Bromwich Albion?
Yes, he changed the game
No, he was good but others were better
He was replaced by Bamford, who made an immediate impact as he headed the ball off Semi Ajayi and into the net.
This would have been the 26-year-old’s 11th goal of the season, but it was ruled as an own goal by the Baggies centre-back.
However, Bamford’s contribution did not go unnoticed, and many Leeds fans were happy with his impact.
Anything but sqaure it is wrong, Bamford is not a scorer of half chances, he was brilliant yesterday but we should of scored here as he had to pass. https://t.co/OFEHsDhsV3
— Adam (@Hertswhitelufc) January 2, 2020
Well done Pat! Fantastic overall performance. Quite scary how different we looked when you came on. Ticking all the right boxes! Excellent. We are all very happy with you all. MOT
— Mitchell Emmerson (@MitchellEmmers2) January 1, 2020
What an excellent recovery from #lufc Different game with our Bamford. Could Brentford be the ones to go on an amazing run in the second half of the season? There’s usually one isn’t there? To keep us on our toes #mot
— Dave (@David__Naylor) January 1, 2020
Good result that. I take back anything bad I’ve ever said about Bamford…..always said he was amazing….
— Jon Gillingham (@JonGilly1988) January 1, 2020
Great point, we could have taken more, looked the more comfortable team to me but 4 points from West Brom this season is strong. Coming out of some tough Xmas fixtures 9 clear of 3rd is quality. Bamford unreal today #lufc
— James Cockerham (@h_cockerham) January 1, 2020
Proper Leeds you
— Liam Moore (@LiamMoo19110227) January 2, 2020
What do we think?
Bamford, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, is essential to the way Leeds play because he can hold the ball up and bring others into play.
Nketiah proved in his two league starts that he could not do this as well as Bamford, and though he scored some important goals for the Whites, Leeds might not actually miss him.
Bamford will likely remain Bielsa’s first-choice when fit, and it is up to whoever the Whites bring in to prove that they deserve to start over the former Crystal Palace man.
This performance against West Brom was gritty and determined, and it was an example of why Bielsa likes Bamford so much.