Phil Hay believes that Marcelo Bielsa will find a place for Patrick Bamford if Leeds United are promoted to the Premier League this season, despite the striker’s ‘hit and miss’ form during his time with the club.

Leeds signed Bamford in the summer of 2018 and the striker was in and out of Bielsa’s side last season due to the form of Kemar Roofe, plus a list of long-term injuries.

This season, he’s established himself as Bielsa’s first choice striker, with Bamford returning 13 goals, which is a number that could be so much higher had the 26-year-old cashed-in on the numerous chances the Whites create.

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Jean-Kevin Augustin has been signed to rival Bamford for a starting berth, but so far, he’s failed to displace his teammate in Bielsa’s line-up.

And, in the opinion of Phil Hay, he feels that Bielsa will retain faith with Bamford and a lot of his teammates, should Leeds win promotion to the Premier League.

Writing in his Q&A for The Athletic, Hay said: “As for Bamford, I'd expect Bielsa to keep faith with him.

“In truth I'd expect him to keep faith with most of these players.” 

In terms of promotion to the Premier League, Leeds are patiently waiting for the season to resume after a postponement of almost three months.

Bielsa’s side sit top of the Championship table and a point clear of West Brom, but, more importantly, there’s a seven-point gap between Leeds and Fulham, who sit third in the table.

The Verdict

When you look at the unwavering faith Bielsa has had with Bamford this season, this opinion is fairly unsurprising.

Bamford might not have scored 20+ goals this season, but he’s been very good for Leeds and his all-round play has been so, so useful in helping the Whites to the top of the Championship table.

He might need a little bit more support from someone like Augustin in the Premier League, but many would back Bamford to get a job done.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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