Exclusive: Paul Robinson reveals whether 21y/o should start v Hull as key player ruled out
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 should keep his place in the Leeds side for the clash against Hull on Saturday, despite scoring in just one game in his last 10.
With big-name signing Jean-Kevin Augustin out with a hamstring, 21-year-old Tyler Roberts is an option up front for Marcelo Bielsa and the All Stats Aren’t We Twitter account said they were “surprised he’s not been given a go up front during PB’s struggles”.
However, Robinson believes that Bamford’s all-round game is what will get him the nod again on Saturday.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “I don’t think Tyler Roberts will start up front against Hull.
“Bamford’s all-round game keeps him in the team, and Bielsa likes what he does apart from his lack of goals.
“But his goal-scoring is so frustrating, it’s just not there at the moment.
“There was a golden example from the Middlesbrough game where he missed a really big chance. He’s putting himself in the right places, he’s getting the chances, he’s just not scoring the goals.
“They had an opportunity to bring someone in and they got Jean-Kevin Augustin and it’s the same story as it was last year. I hope it’s not going to come back to haunt them.”
There are plenty of Leeds fans who would like to see Roberts play instead of Bamford, but goals don’t tell the full story.
The LUFCDATA Twitter account posted a fascinating stat that showed how often Leeds concede with or without Bamford.
With Bamford on the pitch, Leeds only concede every 134 minutes. Without him, that drops to 47.
It is, as they say, a “seismic difference” and proves what Bamford adds to the Leeds team aside from goals.
In other Leeds United news, ‘It is true’ – Phil Hay: This is what I’ve been told about Bielsa and Real Betis