Leeds United played out a 1-1 draw at home to Derby County on Saturday afternoon. Despite all of their dominance of the ball, this was another game that slipped away from Marcelo Bielsa’s men. A 91st-minute equaliser from Chris Martin meant that the spoils were shared between the two sides. Yet again, the league leaders were unable to put away their chances, and yet again, the blame fell on the head of Patrick Bamford. While goals dry up for Bamford, Eddie Nketiah makes an ever-greater impression for the Whites. Marcelo Bielsa now has a dilemma on his hands, with more and more fans demanding Patrick Bamford be dropped.
The Patrick Bamford Dilemma
A Decent Goals Return
In 2019, Bamford has 12 goals in 26 appearances, along with two assists. This is not exactly a bad return for any striker. Though his first season was ravaged by injury problems, he still managed to recover and score some goals, no mean feat after a cruciate ligament injury. Despite missing a good opportunity against Derby, and some poor performances last year, he is still fighting. If he can stay fit for a whole season, there is no reason why he couldn’t replicate his good goal-scoring form from his Middlesbrough days.
Confidence is Crucial for Patrick Bamford
Bamford is a footballer of a very common ilk; one for whom confidence plays a crucial role. If fans get on his back and his performances turn sour, the burden may weigh on his mind. Goals bring confidence for the Englishman, but a lack thereof would leave him in a vicious cycle.
Therefore, it seems all the more important that Bamford plays with an attacking compliment. Leeds enjoyed a deadly spell last season, when both Kemar Roofe and Bamford were fit, and could play alongside one another. With his hold-up play and Nketiah’s pace and poacher’s sense, Leeds could soon wave goodbye to wasted opportunities. This would take the weight of scoring goals off Bamford’s shoulders, knowing that there would be another danger man next to him.
Nketiah in Hot Form
While Bamford continues to receive more criticism from the Yorkshire faithful, Nketiah’s stock rises more and more. The Arsenal loanee has been involved in as many goals as the former Chelsea man, despite playing two fewer games. Nketiah does, though, also boast three goals for the U23s side as well.
Yet, Nketiah still has not started a Championship fixture for Leeds this season, coming off the bench in all five of his appearances. This could be the perfect strategy; allow Bamford to bully defences while the opposition tires, and bring on Nketiah to capitalise late on.
Furthermore, this formula has led the Whites to the top of the Championship after eight games. Clearly something has worked for them to sit so pretty this early. Nine of their 12 goals have come in the second half, with three in the final 15 minutes. For Leeds, it may be a case of wearing teams out with their possession before pouncing late on. However, possession does not a win make, as demonstrated by their inability to kill off Derby and score against Swansea City.
With so much of the season left, Marcelo Bielsa will face important decisions in his bid to win promotion. The striking dilemma at Leeds looks to have carried on from last year, but should Bielsa keep showing faith in Patrick Bamford? With Eddie Nketiah waiting eagerly in the wings, he may yet take his opportunity.
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