'Didn't know he had that' - Matteo taken aback by one Leeds player after 4-3 win

Former Leeds United defender Dominic Matteo has been impressed with Patrick Bamford’s start to the season.

Bamford has started both of Leeds’ Premier League games, scoring two goals in the games against Champions Liverpool and newly-promoted Fulham.

Bielsa’s faith in the man who netted 16 goals in 45 Championship appearances last season has paid off and the English striker is currently looking undroppable.

Speaking in his column in the Yorkshire Evening Post about Bamford’s form, Matteo said,

“Bamford has his critics but he’s led by example. People get on his case but, for me, he’s really putting a shift in, working the team he’s playing against and his goal against Fulham was a brilliant finish.

“The one he created showed another side of his game – I didn’t know he had that pace. He looks like he’s enjoying it and the Premier League is where he wants to be. He had a glimpse of it before but it didn’t really happen so now he’s got a real opportunity.

“I think he’ll keep Rodrigo out of the side.”

Matteo went on to poke the Sheffield United fans saying that Leeds have “more quality on the ball.”

He added, “If we keep the ball as well as we did against Liverpool, when we shaded possession against the champions, I think we’ll win the game on Sunday at Bramall Lane – and what a start that would be to life in the Premier League.”

Rodrigo’s Leeds career hasn’t quite started how he will have wanted. He gave away a crucial penalty at Anfield on his debut, before being subbed off at half-time after a quiet first half against Fulham on his first start.

Coupled with the excellent form Bamford is in, it could mean the Spaniard will have to be content playing second fiddle for the foreseeable future.

The Blades have lost all three of their competitive games this season, failing to pick up any points at home to Wolves and away to Aston Villa in the league, and losing on penalties to Burnley in the Carabao Cup.

Despite only winning one of their games this season, you have to consider Leeds one of the form teams in the Premier League. They’ve scored seven goals in those games and have played with the same fight and passion that saw Bielsa’s side achieve promotion last year.

The defence has been leaky, also conceding seven goals, but if the Leeds back line can keep Sheffield United’s defence quiet, then there is no reason why the Whites can’t pick up another Premier League win this weekend.

In other Leeds United news, Leeds handed major blow after official statement on Tuesday