Phil Hay details what sources have told him about Bielsa plans for Bamford if Leeds get promoted
Patrick Bamford has been the striker of choice for Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United this season, with both Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin forced to warm the bench.
And Bielsa isn’t about to dump Bamford if Leeds get promoted to the Premier League, as looks likely with the Championship set to restart on June 20.
In an extensive piece about Augustin in The Athletic on Monday morning, there was a fascinating snippet about Bamford.
Phil Hay wrote, “Sources at Elland Road have told The Athletic that Bielsa intends to retain Bamford, leaving a potential choice of Bamford or Augustin for the centre-forward’s position.”
Bamford hasn’t scored as many goals as he should have done this season – there’s no arguing with that.
And he’s come in for sustained criticism from fans for his inconsistency in front of the net, with Leeds playing attacking football and creating a lot of chances.
He went through a barren run of 10 games in the first third of this season and more recently went seven without a goal before scoring in the last game against Huddersfield before the season was suspended.
But this isn’t proof that Bamford has something on Bielsa. Instead, Bielsa recognises what Bamford adds to his Leeds side.
And, while his trouble finishing is frustrating for everyone, Leeds have been a better team this season when he starts.
His record in the Premier League is even worse. In 27 games, he’s scored just the one goal and that is a worry.
However, he’s deserved another chance and we can see him playing back-up next season, with Augustin leading the line.
Who starts in the first game back in the Premier League if Leeds get promoted could come down to Bamford’s form in the last nine games this season.
If he hits the ground running he could well do enough to start all nine games. And if he does that, we fully expect him to start in the Premier League.
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