Patrick Bamford: French language has been key to Leeds connection with Raphinha
Patrick Bamford and Raphinha have been the main men going forward for Leeds United this season and it sounds like they are getting along famously off the pitch.
Both attackers have enjoyed breakout seasons in the Premier League with Bamford silencing his critics after a number of failed loan spells in the division while the Brazilian only landed on these shores in October but has already made a substantial impact.
No Leeds player has contributed to more Premier League goals than the duo this season – Bamford is top with 18 goal involvements while Raphinha is joint-second with Jack Harrison on 10.
In an interview with Rio Ferdinand aired on BT Sport 1 [11:30, 13/03/21] before Leeds played host to Chelsea on Saturday, Bamford revealed the connection he shares with the winger.
He said: “Since Rapha’s come in we’ve really clicked, he’s always saying ‘look, I’m going to be looking for you here’.
“I speak French a little bit with him, I don’t speak Portuguese but his French is good, mine is okay.”
On the same page
This is exactly we want to hear from our two superstars and Whites supporters all around will rejoice with us on this.
Marcelo Bielsa has clearly fostered a harmonious Leeds dressing room and that has enabled us to surpass some pundit expectations and cement ourselves as a solid Premier League side after our return to the big time.
It’s heart-warming to hear the lengths players are going to in order to be successful for this side – who would have thought the French language would be the key connection between Bamford and Raphinha?
It sounds like there is no danger of our players getting their wires crossed.
If there is a problem they will find a way – languages are no barriers to success.
Let’s hope this relationship continues to blossom on the pitch as well because if it does it won’t be long until we’re heading for the top and that includes European football.
Bamford might just be fluent in French by that stage.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke aims bitter Bielsa jibe.