Exclusive: Paul Robinson makes big Augustin claim ahead of Leeds clash v Middlesbrough
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that Patrick Bamford was “very poor” against Reading and that he will lose his place in the team to Jean-Kevin Augustin if the new Leeds striker is fit.
Robinson has been a staunch defender of Bamford this season and said he had one of his best games of the season against Bristol City, despite not scoring.
However, he wasn’t impressed with what he saw last time out and said Augustin will start for Leeds when fit – and that would be “soon”.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “It was nice to see Pablo Hernandez amongst the goals on Saturday. It’s nice to see anyone get amongst the goals at the moment, to be honest.
“It’s the same old story… Dominating the game, 19 opportunities, out-pass the opposition, out-play the opponents and only win 1-0.
“It’s the same conversation we have week-in, week-out. If Leeds don’t make the Premier League it will be their own fault. They’re creating chances, they’re not scoring them.
“Bamford was very poor on Saturday. He played well against Bristol City but I don’t think he played well at all against Reading and he needs to play well to stay in the team because he’s not scoring goals.
“The thing he’s got on his side is that Augustin hasn’t been match fit. That’s the only thing that’s keeping Bamford in the side. If Augustin is fit he will start and he’s going to get there soon.”
Will “soon” come quickly enough for Augustin to start against Middlesbrough?
We doubt it. Despite Bamford not scoring in either, Leeds are on a run of two consecutive wins and Bielsa is unlikely to make big changes.
However, like Robinson said, Bamford has to either score or put in a great shift. If he’s doing neither than Augustin will simply have to start when fit.
The new Leeds striker suffered a blow in the quest for fitness after the last two Under-23s games he could play in were postponed. The last was on Monday and it means he’s been denied minutes on the pitch – the best way for him to prove his match fitness.
However, we think Bamford has to put in an 8/10 tonight or score.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds ace ‘can’t believe’ what has happened to him after being bombed out on loan