‘I’m a big fan’ – Jermaine Beckford expresses admiration for Leeds ace after 1-0 win v Barnsley
Jermaine Beckford has hailed Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford after his contribution to the 1-0 win over Barnsley on Thursday evening.
The 26-year-old put in the pass that led to the Tykes’ own goal – an error that handed the Whites all three points and put them within touching distance of a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
And even though he failed to get on the scoresheet himself, Beckford was delighted with his selflessness.
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ coverage of the win (Sky Sports Football, 7.05pm, July 16th), he said: “I’ve made no secret of how much I admire the work that Patrick Bamford does for the side.
“I’m a big fan of his. Even if he’s not on the scoresheet, the work rate that he offers, everything he brings to the side.
“He’s in between the centre-half and the full-back. He looks for the cutback, which is great. Me personally, I’m going for goal.
“He’s staying on it, he’s chasing every lost ball. He’s learning all the time, he’s improving all the time.”
We couldn’t agree more with Beckford.
Bamford has come in for stick when it comes to his finishing at times during his spell with Leeds, and perhaps rightly so when you consider the fact that he has 0.37 goals per game from an xG of 0.61, as per Wyscout.
But like Beckford says, his effort simply cannot be faulted.
The goal against Barnsley was a prime example of that.
If he shoots in the first instance then the chances are that the opportunity would have been squandered.
Instead, he looks for a teammate, and then has the sharpness and presence of mind to fire in the cut back at the second attempt too.
He may not be a great goalscorer, but Thursday night was a prime example of just how important his contribution is for the Whites.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Staggered’ – Ally McCoist makes big Leeds prediction ahead of clash v Barnsley.