Danny Mills has hailed the "exceptional" transformation of Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford this season.

The 26-year-old has endured a mixed season thus far but has been an important player under Marcelo Bielsa, making 21 appearances in all competitions.

The striker started the season off in impressive style, scoring four goals in their first five games of the campaign.

But a goal drought of 10 games followed, with plenty of fans criticising his lack of output in the final third and urging Bielsa to start Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah instead.

Bielsa stuck with Bamford, though, and the striker has recently started to improve, scoring three goals in his last five games to help Leeds remain in touching distance of top spot.

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Speaking to Football Insider, Mills has hailed Bamford for his transformation this season, despite previously criticising the former Middlesbrough forward.

When asked about if he has changed on his mind about any Leeds player, he said: “I think Patrick Bamford in all honesty.

"Y’know he maybe struggled a little bit last season, he was out the team with injuries, he came in and at times, missed chances, sometimes his style…you could maybe question whether he was working as hard last season as he is this season? I’m not convinced he was.

"Eddie Nketiah comes in, puts a bit of pressure on him, and all credit to him, he has really stepped up. His work rate is exceptional, hence why he stayed in the team in his goalless spell.

"For a player that’s been around, seen it, done it, this has been a real opportunity to say ‘no, I want to be in this team and get Leeds promoted."

Leeds returned to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table with a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town at the weekend, with goals from Gjanni Alioski and Pablo Hernandez securing the win for the Whites.

Bielsa's men will hoping for a favour from Swansea City today, as West Brom prepare to take on the Swans at The Hawthorns - a win will see Slaven Bilic's side climb back to the summit of the league table.

The Verdict

Bamford is a player who has divided opinions amongst the Leeds faithful this term, but he has been impressive in recent weeks.

He may not have scored as many goals as he perhaps would have liked this season, but his contribution to the team is so important.

His work-rate is excellent, and I can't see Bielsa dropping him for Nketiah anytime soon.