Patrick Bamford has admitted that he enjoys the pressure of leading the line for Leeds United, despite the fact that tensions have sometimes grown between him and the fanbase.

Leeds have relied on Bamford to lead the line since the early part of 2019, with the striker a regular feature under Marcelo Bielsa for the second-half of last season and continuing that into the current campaign.

Bielsa has had unwavering faith in the 26-year-old this season, with Bamford returning 13 goals and two assists to help Leeds to the top of the Championship table.

Yet, he’s been guilty of spurning the many chances Leeds create over the past two seasons, which has caused friction between him and the fans.

Despite all that, however, Bamford has talked up the pressure of being the club’s No.9, revealing he does enjoy it.

“Since I’ve come to Leeds there’s always been a lot of pressure being the number nine and I love that pressure, I do like it,” Bamford told reporters at Leeds Live.

“There’s only ever been one time where I’ve had a query with the fans in the stadium and that was away at Preston last year.

“I remember I did that (cups his ear) to them when I scored.

“In the stadium the fans are brilliant and 95 per cent of all Leeds fans are brilliant, the way they support the players and back them to the hilt.”

QUIZ: Can you name every Leeds United player’s shirt number?

 

The current season is on hold due to the outbreak of coronavirus, with Leeds yet to receive a set date they can return to training and focus on hitting the ground running.

Nine games separate Bamford and co from the Premier League.

The Verdict  

There’s massive pressure on whoever leads the line at Leeds United, but Bamford has done a good job on the whole.

He’s got the backing of most fans week-on-week, with their support never really getting the credit it deserves.

There have been flashpoints along the way, but Bamford and Leeds are on the same page now you feel.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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