Andy Couzens believes that Patrick Bamford looks a different player this season for Leeds United, citing the striker’s fitness as a major factor in his positive start to the 2019/20 campaign.
Leeds have started the season with seven points from a possible nine in the Championship, with Bamford netting three goals in three starts, including a brace in the 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
And, Couzens claims the 25-year-old is looking in great shape this season.
“Bamford looks a different player to what he did last year, just simply because of his fitness levels now,” Couzens told Football League World in an exclusive interview with Chief Editor, Sam Rourke.
“He’s got a full pre-season under his belt, he’s injury free - hopefully for the season.”
Last year, Bamford picked up a long-term knee injury playing for the under-23s in September, whilst other setbacks around the festive period hindered his involvement.
And, for Couzens, that’s one of the reasons why the striker struggled in his debut campaign at Leeds.
“It’s the hardest thing in the world when you come into a football club and you get injured quickly,” the former Leeds midfielder continued.
“When you are injured and you’re in a football club when things aren’t quite clicking, it’s difficult to get that run.
“This year, he’s got a full pre-season, he’s fully fit, he looks stronger, a bit more aggressive and everyone knows Patrick Bamford can score goals.”
Bamford struck nine Championship goals last season and 10 across all competitions, with Kemar Roofe finishing the campaign as Leeds’ top goalscorer with 15.
However, Couzens is backing Bamford to better that tally this season if he can stay fit.
“He’s not the best at link-up play - that’s getting better – but get him in the box and I think he’ll score you 20-30 goals a season,” Couzens stated.
“His goalscoring record last season was still very good for the amount of games he played. He would’ve been past (Kemar) Roofe if he had been fit all season.
“This year he does look stronger and fitter, and looks like he’ll be there for the season.
“Obviously, with Eddie (Nketiah) coming in from Arsenal, Bamford has a point to prove now because there’s someone knocking on the door behind him.”
Leeds continue their season tomorrow evening against Brentford at Elland Road, where Bamford will come up against former Whites defender, Pontus Jansson.