Daniel Farke can’t make Patrick Bamford error in Leeds United XI v Swansea
Leeds United have steadily lessened their reliance on Patrick Bamford, with the striker now a peripheral figure in Daniel Farke’s plans.
The Englishman hasn’t started for the Whites in the Championship so far this season, but speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Sky Sports journalist Dan Bardell has suggested that the 31-year-old could start for the Peacocks in their fixture against Swansea on 24 November.
Mateo Joseph was given the opportunity to lead the line on 9 November against QPR in the 2-0 victory, but the Spaniard failed to convince many with his performance.
It would be surprising to see Farke hand the 21-year-old another chance against the Swans, but replacing him with Bamford wouldn’t be wise from the German.
In the previous campaign, the England international proved that he had lost his goalscoring touch, and the German manager has someone else in the squad who’s proving himself this season.
Joel Piroe must start for Leeds United instead of Patrick Bamford
Farke has an obvious replacement for Joseph in Joel Piroe, who has already scored six goals in the Championship for Leeds.
The 25-year-old found the back of the net in stoppage time with a crisp finish against QPR to settle the nerves of the Elland Road faithful, and in his 18 minutes on the pitch, the Dutchman had an xG of 0.6, got 12 touches on the ball, with three inside the box, and 100 per cent shot and long ball accuracy, as per FotMob.
Bamford has played less than 150 minutes in all competitions for the Whites this term, and considering the Peacocks could go level on points with Sunderland and Sheffield United at the top of the table with a win over Swansea, Farke shouldn’t take any risks.
The 31-year-old has been a loyal servant at the West Yorkshire club over the years, but his time as the undisputed centre-forward in the team must surely be up.
In other Leeds news, the Whites have a Sweden international on their transfer radar.
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