Patrick Bamford now undroppable after ‘boost of confidence’ in Leeds United 3-0 win v Birmingham City
Leeds United bounced back from successive league defeats to overcome Birmingham City on Monday (1 January).
The West Yorkshire club won 3-0 at Elland Road after losing to both Preston North End and West Brom over the festive period.
But Patrick Bamford, Daniel James and Crysencio Summerville ensured that wasn’t the case this time around, with the attackers netting the goals to secure all three points.
Bamford was handed a first Leeds start since May, and he certainly didn’t disappoint, rising highest to head home a cross from James in the 34th minute.
As per BBC Sport, it was the striker’s first goal since April 2023 when he netted against Bournemouth in the Premier League. It was unexpected for Bamford to even start at Elland Road on New Year’s Day, never mind score.
And the goal against Birmingham certainly caught the attention of former Leeds full-back Aidy White, who said on BBC Radio Leeds, as quoted by BBC Sport: “Hopefully, that can give Patrick Bamford the boost of confidence to kickstart his season and get the fans behind him.
“There was no way John Ruddy was getting to that. Bamford isn’t just a player who can score he can contribute with his link-up.”
The important three points should get Daniel Farke’s men back on track in terms of their Championship aspirations, but it is FA Cup action up next.
The Whites travel to Peterborough United on Sunday (7 January), with the match representing another perfect opportunity for Farke to start Bamford once more.
The striker needs to continue building his confidence, and even though Joel Piroe has been in top form this season, another start for Bamford will do him the world of good.
Dropping the Leeds man would, incidentally, be harsh from the man in the dugout, with Bamford impressing in various areas against Birmingham.
Farke will want to switch things up to keep his players fresh, but the boss could simply rest Georginio Rutter against Peterborough and start both Bamford and Piroe instead.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are in contact to sign a £5.2million left-back in January already.