Patrick Bamford has admitted that before life at Leeds United he wasn’t a striker that was credited with working hard for the team’s benefit.

Leeds moved to sign Bamford in the summer of 2018, with the 26-year-old installed as Marcelo Bielsa’s No.9.

In almost two years at the club, Bamford has struck 23 goals for the Whites, but the reality is that it could be so much more.

Yet, despite a poor conversion rate, Bamford has remained in the side over the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Kevin Augustin this season, whilst last year, Bielsa dropped Kemar Roofe into a deeper role to accommodate the pair in attack.

What has kept Bamford in the side is his tireless work for the team, which is something the striker doesn’t believe he was credited for during previous spells at other clubs including Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest. 

“Over the years, I’ve never ever – before I came to Leeds – been referred to as a player who works hard, as weird as that sounds,” Bamford told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“I’ve never been known as someone who works tirelessly on the pitch.”

Bamford has struck 13 goals in the Championship this season, making him Leeds’ top goalscorer.

The Whites are top of the Championship table and only nine games away from a Premier League return.

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

The Verdict

Bamford’s best trait is his work-rate and Leeds fans will struggle to picture the striker’s previous clubs viewing him any differently.

The striker works incredibly hard for the team and his goals are just a bonus.

He brings out the best in those around him and he is given a lot of support even when the goals aren’t flowing.

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