Darren Gough: Leeds will be taking ‘big gamble’ if they start Bielsa favourite in Premier League
Darren Gough has claimed that Leeds United will be taking a “big gamble” if they go into the Premier League with Patrick Bamford as their main striker.
The talkSPORT pundit believes that every player deserves the chance to prove themselves after promotion, but admitted that Bamford’s record wasn’t stellar in the top-flight.
Bamford scored 16 goals last season as Leeds romped their way to the Championship title, but that didn’t stop the striker from taking heavy criticism at times.
Gough was the latest to add to that list of critics, but Adrian Durham did back the striker to at least be given the chance to prove himself.
“The question we’ve got to ask is, is he a better player now than he last time was in the Premier League?” Gough said on talkSPORT.
“I don’t know. I’ve not seen enough of him, but it’s still a big gamble if they go into the Premier League and I hate saying this because I believe everyone has an opportunity and he’s got the opportunity now at Leeds.
“His record, you’re right, mainly off the bench in the Premier League, has not been that good.”
Bamford did respond to some of the criticism recently after former manager David O’Leary questioned whether he was good enough for the Premier League.
Leeds may not get as many chances next season as they did in the Championship, so it is critical that Bamford sticks them away.
The late signs after lockdown were majorly positive, with his goals against Fulham and Stoke particularly pleasing on the eye.
Bamford doesn’t just score goals though, his work off the ball is pivotal to how Marcelo Bielsa sets up this side, and we expect the Argentine to stick with the 26-year-old next season, regardless of how many critics.
In other Leeds United news, Pablo Hernandez has recalled an unimaginable moment after hitting his four-year milestone at Elland Road