‘DIABOLICAL’ – PUNDIT SINGLES OUT WOEFUL LEEDS MAN WHOSE ‘POOR’ FORM CONTRIBUTED TO RELEGATION

TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan thinks the ‘diabolical’ performances of Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford played a role in their relegation.

The 29-year-old has been one of the Whites’ most important players in the past. But, he has failed to rediscover his previous form.

Now, with Leeds set to return to the Championship, it remains to be seen whether Bamford will remain at the club.

The Whites lost 4-1 to Tottenham at Elland Road on Sunday, sealing their relegation after picking up just 31 points.

This term, Bamford has made 28 Premier League appearances. In the process, he has scored just four goals and made two assists.

As mentioned, in the past, he has been a key player for Leeds. In the 2020/21 campaign, he netted an impressive 17 goals – earning him a call-up to the England national team.

However, injuries have significantly damaged the 29-year-old’s progress. This has been reflected in his recent dismal form.

Now, if Leeds want to bounce straight back into the Premier League, they may need to consider replacing bring in a less injury-prone centre-forward to provide support for Georginio Rutter – with Rodrigo set to depart Elland Road this summer.

Bamford has been ‘diabolical’ this season

While speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan claimed Bamford’s ‘poor’ performances have played a key role in Leeds’ relegation.

“[Leeds] are shocking, but if you look at their decision making, they’ve never replaced Kalvin Phillips, they never replaced an offensive option in Raphinha,” Jordan said.

“Patrick Bamford at times this season, I thought was diabolical.

“Poor, not just penalty misses but in games where he didn’t hold the line up, he didn’t do his job.

“I don’t know whether new contracts have affected his outcome because he got a new contract.”

Indeed, Bamford penned a new contract with Leeds in August 2021, keeping him at Elland Road until 2026.

Despite his clear goal-scoring ability, the Englishman’s body clearly can’t cope with the rigours of top-level football and is constantly injured or not at 100% fitness.

Last season, Leeds had to rely upon youngster Joe Gelhardt to lead the line. This time around, Rodrigo has been forced to play out of position as a centre-forward.

There is going to be a lot of change at the Yorkshire club this summer, with the Leeds hierarchy charged with appointing a new manager and director of football.

Now, it seems likely Bamford could also be shown the exit door. The only question, however, is whether any club is willing to take a punt on him.

2023-05-30T08:14:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd