Jermaine Beckford heaps praised on Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford
Jermaine Beckford has lauded Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford after he received his first international call-up and recently signed a new deal.
Speaking on The Official Leeds United Podcast, the former Whites striker revealed his admiration for Bamford.
The 27-year-old could be set for his England debut tonight against Hungary and recently signed a new deal that keeps him at Elland Road until 2026.
This is what Beckford said in full about Bamford: “Just seeing him [Bamford] coming off the football pitch at the end of the games and having conversations with him or listening to him doing an interview after the game, you could see he is physically drained and having next to nothing left in the tank.
“That is how much he actually puts into his performances at Leeds United, whether it is at home or on the road.
“He is brilliant, and the new contract, it is well, well overdue and is well deserved because he offers us so much more than just the 17 or so goals he scored last season and the goal he scored against Burnley.
“He offers the rest of the players the freedom to express themselves and to get forward and create so many more opportunities and spaces for the likes of Jack Harrison on one side and Raphinha, then [Daniel] James, he is going to experience that as well.
“He is the ultimate team player.”
Bamford deserves the praise.
Bamford’s career, apart from one spell with Middlesbrough, was pretty much going nowhere until Marcelo Bielsa walked into his life.
The 27-year-old is now the top-scoring player under Bielsa with 44 goals ten more than Fernando Llorente, and he is the first-choice striker for a Premier League side [transfermarkt].
Last season, the former Chelsea forward scored 17 league goals, provided a further eight assists, and was excellent throughout the season.
We agree with Beckford that his new contract was deserved, while we also believe that his England call-up is well overdue and should have happened last season.
Hopefully, Gareth Southgate gives him the chance to impress for the Three Lions and make an impression on the watching England fans.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be hit by a punishment from FIFA after international development.