It's safe to say that Leeds United have shown vast improvement since Marcelo Bielsa was appointed as their manager in the summer of 2018. 

The Whites are currently sat top of the Championship table, and are seven points clear of third-placed Fulham heading towards the conclusion of this year's campaign.

One player that has played a key role in their impressive season to date is Patrick Bamford, who has been a regular in Marcelo Bielsa's plans this term.

The 26-year-old has 13 goals and three assists to his name in 38 appearances for Leeds, and will be hoping he can continue to impress as this year's campaign progresses.

Bamford had previously revealed in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post that he would be delighted if he can spend the next five years with Leeds at Elland Road.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Sunderland and Spurs striker Darren Bent labelled the prospect of Bamford playing for Leeds in the next five years as a 'realistic target'.

"You know what, I think it is a realistic target because he’s playing for a manager who fully appreciates everything that he does.

"I don’t think it’s a case of him having to worry: ‘What can I do?’ because clearly, even when things have not gone well, Bielsa’s still played him, still really likes him."

Bent went on to highlight Bamford's work rate, and thought that he could go on to play for Leeds for years to come, after keeping some big names out of the side.

"For me I think he’s in a situation where he can stay there for the next five years. We understand he’s missed big chances, all strikers miss big chances but it’s his work rate that Bielsa loves.

"They’ve had strikers there, like Eddie Nketiah, who haven’t managed to move him on or managed to get him out because of what he does for the team."

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The Verdict: 

I think he's definitely capable of playing regularly for Leeds for years to come.

I'll admit that I had my doubts as to whether Bamford would be a good enough option to have in attack for Leeds this season, but he's suited Bielsa's high-pressing style of play perfectly.

Leeds' attacks start from Bamford pressing teams whilst on the ball, and I think he'll surprise a few if the Whites are playing their football in the Premier League next term.

If Bielsa is to remain with the Yorkshire-based side, then I can see Bamford developing as a player for a number of years in the future with Leeds.