Darren Bent has backed new Leeds United signing Eddie Nketiah to kick-on after his debut goal against Salford City in the week.
The 20-year-old joined the Whites on a season-long loan from Arsenal on the final day of the window and wasted little time in making an impact as he scored the opener in the cup win.
And, former England international Bent told Football Insider that he now expects Nketiah to put pressure on Patrick Bamford in the coming weeks after his positive start.
"It’s massive. He’s not been given that opportunity (of pre-season), he’s been at Arsenal and then come to Leeds. For himself, hitting the back of the net is going to be a big weight off his shoulders.
"It’s healthy competition, that’s the only way you’re going to get the best out of each other. Bamford needs to be careful, he’s got a lot of ability to score goals but he’s got someone on the bench behind him that’s equally as good a goalscorer."
Whilst Marcelo Bielsa might not hand the youngster a start this weekend, Nketiah is sure to be involved as Leeds head to Wigan tomorrow.
The Verdict
There's no doubt that getting off the mark so early into his Leeds career is going to be beneficial to Nketiah and it will be a big relief for the youngster.
Bent will know just how important that is to a striker and he clearly rates the new Whites recruit and feels he will kick-on.
Therefore, Bamford is going to have a battle to keep his place but that should always be the case at a club like Leeds United and Bielsa is going to pick players on form so it's down to the players to impress in training and take the opportunities that come their way.
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