Steve Cotterill has suggested that increased aggression has helped Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford succeed this season.

With Kemar Roofe leaving in the summer, Bamford has been Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice striker so far and has taken to that role well.

The 26-year-old has started every game in the Championship for Leeds this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist for the Whites.

Speaking to the Athletic, Cotterill, who was the Nottingham Forest manager when Bamford was developing through the Reds academy, indicated what he felt Bamford was doing better in the 2019/20 campaign.

He said: “There’s more aggression in his play this season.

“That was maybe lacking last season but on the occasions I’ve seen him so far, he’s been much harder to play against.

“There are always little extras you can look for or ask for but at the end of the day, a striker who’s got everything costs £100 million-plus.

“Leeds have a quality player there and I reckon you’ll see that more and more.”

Bamford’s goals have helped Leeds to sit third in the Championship, with 13 points from six games.

His next opportunity to find the net will likely come on Sunday when the Whites travel to Oakwell to face newly-promoted Barnsley.

The Verdict

Bamford had a slightly unconvincing first season at Elland Road, scoring just 10 times and drawing some criticism from the fans.

He took some more flak in the early part of this season but so far appears to be proving the doubters wrong by scoring regularly.

He has also kept Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah out of the side, despite the fact the 20-year-old has made a fast start to his Leeds career, scoring three goals in five games.