Jenas: Leeds might struggle for goals without Bamford
Jermaine Jenas claims Leeds United will “struggle for goals” if Patrick Bamford is sidelined for an extended period.
In the first half of Leeds’ 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Saturday, the 27-year-old striker was forced off after struggling to run off an apparent leg injury.
We’re waiting to see what the true extent of Bamford’s injury is but Match of the Day pundit Jenas worries for Leeds if they have to make do without their top goalscorer.
“They’ve had a great season,” said Jenas on Match of the Day on Saturday night. “They’ve got to be delighted with the way they’ve come into the league.
“I think this game in particular they did really well.
“They lost Bamford, which means they might struggle for goals moving forward.”
Rodrigo to step up?
Bamford has been crucial for Leeds this season and has easily been one of the best players in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.
The former Chelsea striker has netted 13 times in 28 Premier League appearances for the Whites this season. Only Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Bruno Fernandes and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have scored more in the top-flight.
Bielsa has a couple of options to play up front if Bamford misses out any upcoming fixtures with Rodrigo recently returning from injury and Tyler Roberts also playing quite regularly for the Yorkshire club as of late due to several injuries.
Leeds face Fulham on Friday night at Craven Cottage and we’d like to see Rodrigo start as the centre-forward if Bamford is not available.
Rodrigo became Leeds’ record transfer in the summer when he joined the club from Valencia for £27million.
We all thought that he would become the new number nine with Bamford struggling at times in the Championship last season.
Let’s see what Rodrigo can offer if Bamford is out but if the Englishman is fit enough to play, we’d rather see him start.
In other Leeds United news, Bayern Munich want to sign this Elland Road ace.