A report in Football Insider claims that Kalvin Phillips is correct in his assessment of Patrick Bamford.
Phillips had urged new signing Jean-Kevin Augustin to ‘press as well as Pat does’ as he settles in at Elland Road.
Noel Whelan told Football Insider that Phillips is “absolutely right” and that the pressing work Bamford does is “quite remarkable”.
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Whelan also described the 26-year-old’s work rate as “invaluable.”
The former Leeds forward, who scored seven goals for the Whites in 52 appearances, said that he is fully on Bamford’s side, but that the ex-Middlesbrough striker does need more goals; however, Whelan stressed that he thinks Bamford’s overall work is “tremendous”.
Here’s what he had to say in full:
“He’s absolutely right, Kalvin, the pressing game that Patrick puts in is quite remarkable,”
“The amount of work rate he does off the ball and how much it helps the side is invaluable.
“I’ve been on his side because I know how difficult it is to be a number nine at Leeds and he’s held himself very, very well. He knows he needs more goals – as striker that’s all you want, that’s what you get paid to do – but his overall game outside of the box is tremendous.
“We need to look at that and compliment him on the work rate that he does and the way he brings other people into play.”
What do we think?
After the Brentford match, Phillips came out and defended both Bamford and Kiko Casilla, despite growing pressure on both.
However, Bielsa confirmed that both Casilla and Bamford would start against Bristol City, and it seems that the Leeds squad are behind their under-fire teammates.
Phillips, who is valued at £9.9m by Transfermarkt, turned in a brilliant performance against the Bees, earning himself an 8/10 rating from the Yorkshire Evening Post.
It is good to see that he is supporting his teammate, but Bamford has only scored in one of his past eight league matches, and if Leeds are to continue their promotion push, they could need the 26-year-old to find the net with more regularity.
Leeds also have Jean-Kevin Augustin, but so far, he has been limited to substitute appearances rather than a starting role.
Bielsa confirmed on Thursday that Bamford would start again, so the Frenchman is likely to be on the bench once more.
Could he be the difference?