A group of Leeds United fans have been discussing their striker Patrick Bamford and whether or not he has lived up to the fee the Whites paid for him in response to a tweet from @AllLeedsHQ.
Bamford signed for the Yorkshire-based club back in July 2018 from Middlesbrough in a deal reportedly worth £7.11m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). Since the player’s arrival, he has made 63 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals and providing his teammates with five assists.
He has played a key role in Marcelo Bielsa’s side, starting 95% of their Championship fixtures and assisting in the push for promotion, which could lead to a return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated from the top-flight at the end of the 2003/04 season.
So in the eyes of these supporters, has Bamford lived up to his price tag?
If we don’t play again he scored the goal that sent us up so given we’d get about £100M for getting in the Prem I’d say it’s money well spent!!!
— PaulMak (@pmak27) May 21, 2020
Hes a massive reason why we’re top of the league.
We’re where we are because of his quality and selfless contribution, not in spite of.
I often wonder if those who think differently go to matches or have any concept of Bielsaball and what that requires.
— Bielsa’s Cheese Wedge Ultras (@Allcheese1) May 21, 2020
Yep. More than, by a long shot.
— lufc Mat (@ocukgilly) May 22, 2020
Easily. We wouldn’t be top without Bamford.
— Silky (@silkyjohn30) May 21, 2020
Is Patrick Bamford good enough for the Premier League?
Yes
No
MB has kept faith with him all season, therefore I do too. Also, our performance always drops and we lose shape when he goes off. Selfless player #MOT #lufc #alaw
— Marchin0n2getha (@Jon9156) May 21, 2020
Absolutely. He plays the Mick Jones role superbly. I’ve re watched lots of full games on lutv recently and his contribution is vital. Yes he misses some chances, but he suits Bielsas football perfectly. A few more goals from Harrison, Costa and Klich would help him
— graham briggs (@grahambriggs15) May 22, 2020
What do we think?
It’s clear from the above responses that opinion on the former Chelsea forward is positive. However, despite what the supporters think of him, he is clearly valued by Marcelo Bielsa, hence why he plays so often. In our view, it remains to be seen whether he is a complete enough striker to lead the line for the Whites should they make the Premier League but it feels harsh to criticise him for his contributions this season given the club’s league position.