Alan Smith praises Patrick Bamford skill in assisting Raphinha goal v Fulham
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford was back on form against Fulham and Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith loved his role in the winner.
Leeds’ number nine opened the scoring and then assisted Raphinha for the second-half goal.
Bamford received the ball with his back to goal roughly 40 yards out but quickly turned and found Raphinha, who scored past Alphonse Areola for the winner.
In Sky Sports’ live blog covering the match, Smith said, “It’s a devastating counter-attack. Bamford scores one and makes one with a clever pass.
“Andersen completely sells himself when they do lose the ball, doesn’t need to slide in on Bamford.
“But he makes the most of it. Raphina doesn’t have much space to work it but if anyone can make it work, it’s him and he does just that.”
Back to his best
It was a remarkable display from Bamford and exactly the response we hoped for after his England omission this week.
When you consider he was no way near 100% fit his performance becomes even more impressive.
He took his goal very well and knew exactly what to do when he set-up Raphinha for the winner.
He timed his pass brilliantly and it was perfectly weighted, allowing his teammate to take a touch before finding the bottom corner.
After the game, he said he put the pass exactly where he did as he knew Raphinha was fast enough and skilful enough to score.
He also said that in such close quarters the defenders could give away a penalty against someone like Raphinha easily.
Getting Bamford and Raphinha back to their best is key to our attacking threat and it is great they have linked up before the international break.
Hopefully the pair can rest and are raring to go when the Premier League returns.
If so, they should get back to causing problems for the opposition and we are excited by what they will offer for the rest of the season.
In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope has slammed a Leeds player for his ‘crazy moments’ against Fulham.