Daniel Farke described the almost fit again Patrick Bamford as ‘priceless’ when asked about the striker during a press conference last week. The Leeds United forward is on the verge of making a return to the fold under Farke after spending the best part of two months on the sidelines with the hamstring injury he picked up against Hearts in pre-season.
Saturday’s clash against Watford came too soon for the former England international, but the hope is that another week on the training ground could help Bamford step into contention for what would be his first appearance of the campaign against Southampton this weekend. After a difficult spell in the side last time around in the Premier League, there’s pressure on Bamford to excel in the Championship and Farke is certainly believes he can make a difference.
“I think the next week will be quite beneficial because we have time on the training pitch and I expect him to be back in the mix for next week,” Farke said about the experienced forward, who scored against Nottingham Forest in pre-season. “Obviously he needs game time to be there in his best rhythm but a fit Patrick Bamford, with rhythm and confidence is priceless.
The proof was also in pre-season, I think he had some pretty impressive games in pre-season and scored really good goals. The most important topic for him is that he’s fit, that he gains confidence through the training and also through the games and he’s in this rhythm that he can score many goals, he has proved this on this level.”
Indeed, Bamford has shown he can find the back of the net at most levels when he’s firing on all cylinders and supporters certainly haven’t forgotten his exploits in white under Marcelo Bielsa. However, the biggest question surrounding his return is where Bamford fits into this new look Leeds side under Farke or whether he even does at all.
There’s certainly no pressing need to change up the impressive forward partnership of Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe at the minute. Piroe has scored four goals in five league games since arriving at Elland Road from Swansea City in the final few days of the summer window.
The Dutchman has been playing in a slightly deeper role behind Rutter and he hasn’t always got himself involved in the action but he certainly knows where the back of the net is. His ability to arrive in the right place at the right time has helped Leeds find form in the second tier and his clinical edge means his place in the side is more or less assured for now.
Rutter hasn’t been quite as ruthless in front of goal, but as he grows in confidence and poise, he’s rapidly becoming one of Leeds’ most exciting players. His performance on Saturday in the number nine role against the Hornets was sublime and while he only has two goals to his name, dropping him to make way for Bamford doesn’t feel like an option at present.
Of course, Rutter’s versatility might open the door for Bamford, with the Frenchman being able to play on the wing. However, while it’s hard to fully judge their compatibility until we’ve seen it in action, a front pairing of Bamford and Piroe feels perhaps a little static, with Piroe thriving behind the pace and liveliness of Rutter.
Bamford does work hard off the ball, hounding defenders and driving the high press, which obviously has its benefits. But, right now, it’s hard to see Bamford playing anything other than an impact substitute role, which isn’t necessarily something he has a lot of experience in at Elland Road.
