Patrick Bamford makes ‘Ridiculous’ Sam Greenwood admission at Leeds United
Patrick Bamford has hailed Sam Greenwood for his ‘ridiculous’ free-kick technique at Leeds United before he moved to Preston North End on loan.
Leeds have several forward options within their ranks so it didn’t come as much of a surprise to see Greenwood shipped out on loan again in the summer after he spent last term with Middlesbrough.
Speaking on the My Mates a Footballer Podcast (7 November), Bamford shared what he thought of the attacker’s free-kick-taking ability.
“Well, if I think back to when Jesse (Marsch) was manager, we had, under Marcelo (Bielsa), we’d seen the 21s play quite a bit. Sam Greenwood was in the 21s. He was honestly, every time there was a free kick, he was putting it in and he was ridiculous at it,” he said.
“And then he started training with the first team like a bit later. Anyway, when he finally came up to the first team and was playing, like as soon as he came on the pitch, like there wasn’t even a discussion.
“It was just like, Sam, you’re taking it. But honestly, he’s top-drawer at free kicks”.
Leeds United could have benefitted from Sam Greenwood this season
It’s been well-documented over the last couple of seasons how poor Leeds have been at converting their set-pieces.
The Whites may have recently scored one after Pascal Struijk’s header against Sheffield United on 18 October but they should be far more effective.
Greenwood was shipped out on loan in the summer as Daniel Farke already has Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, Bamford and Joe Gelhardt within his ranks who can occupy the number nine role, while his options out wide are also plentiful.
With that many players able to fill the attacking spots in the team, it makes sense why the 22-year-old was sent away for him to get some more experience under his belt.
However, with his five goals across all competitions and his clear ability to strike a ball from a free-kick, it feels like the West Yorkshire outfit could have done with keeping him.
Indeed, nothing can be done about it now but with the recent performances Leeds’ strikers have put in, it feels like the 22-year-old could have been a difference-maker for Farke up top if he was allowed to stay.
In other Leeds news, Gretar Steinsson may have to source a replacement for Brenden Aaronson after what Daniel Farke said.
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