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Leeds United-linked Brereton Diaz could give Patrick Bamford serious competition for the number nine shirt
Leeds United are reportedly interested in Blackburn Striker Ben Brereton Diaz and the 23-year-old could prove to be serious competition for Patrick Bamford’s number nine shirt.
It has been revealed by The Sun [6 June] that Leeds United are interested in the Chilean international with Jesse Marsch looking to bolster his attacking options.
Bamford is 28 and has faced an injury-hit 2021-22 campaign for the Whites and news of Leeds’ interest in the Blackburn man could indicate where Marsch sees Bamford in his plans.
Diaz is 23, and will almost certainly want to be first choice should he make the switch from Lancashire to the Yorkshire side.
If Leeds sign the 23-year-old they have a serial goalscorer on their hands who is entering the prime years of his career, having scored 22-goals for Rovers in the 2021-22 campaign.
As per Wyscout, Diaz has averaged 0.56 goals per 90 this season, which is twice as good as Bamford’s 0.26.
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Furthermore, despite taking more shots than Bamford this season, Diaz has a higher shot accuracy with 44% of his shots finding the target compared to Bamford’s 38%.
The 23-year-old seems to be a confident player who is not afraid to beat a man or take a player on at any opportunity.
He averages 5.22 dribbles per 90, which dwarfs Bamford’s 1.8.
However, it appears that Bamford is more of a creative force compared to Diaz with the Leeds striker averaging three times as many assists per 90.
Furthermore, Bamford averages 0.77 key passes per 90, compared to Diaz’s 0.32.
The two players are completely different types of striker and could well complement each other if they were utilised in the same team.
Diaz is a more individualistic, all or nothing type of player who has an eye for a goal whereas Bamford is a player who has more craft and guile, who brings his teammates into the game whilst still getting his fair share of goals.
Leeds should certainly be looking at a move for the Chilean international.
With his contract entering its final year, Marsch could capitalise and get the striker for a cut price.
He will have plenty of suitors, it is just about convincing him to come to Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, Bordeaux Alberth Elis is’ attracting’ interest from Jesse Marsch.