Up until December, Patrick Bamford would have been expecting the worst at Leeds United because nothing was going his way.
The 30-year-old had recently been relegated from the club and was now battling to earn starts for a Championship squad.
Summer signings Joel Piroe was becoming the main guy, and he was winning over Leeds supporters with his goals and performances; as a result, Patrick Bamford’s future looked dismal.
That is why Clinton Morrison believes he will not return to Daniel Farke’s starting lineup, as reported by Soccer Special on Sky Sports (13/02/24 at 7:30 p.m.).
But fast forward to the present, and the former EFL striker believes Patrick Bamford has been ‘amazing’ for the Whites.
Since his first Championship start on New Year’s Day against Birmingham City, he hasn’t looked back, as he scored that day and has since scored three more vital goals during that time, not to include his amazing goal in the FA Cup.
That is quite a turnaround for the Englishman, since he has recently managed to bench Joel Piroe, who returned to the starting lineup against his previous club on Tuesday night as Leeds blasted Swansea City.
Patrick Bamford’s Comeback at Leeds United
“He’s important,” Morrison said of Bamford before of Leeds’ run-in. “But I didn’t think he’d make it back into the team.
“Joel Piroe, whom they signed, was exceptional. But Leeds has competition for spots. Bamford can come in there, and he has done well. He has been given an opportunity.
“I remember when he initially returned, he missed a penalty against Stoke. I expected him to lose confidence and leave the squad. Now he has a variety of goals. Patrick Bamford desires service. “I believe he has been outstanding.”
Patrick Bamford’s final dance for Leeds?
Leeds’ primary goal is to return to the Premier League, and they are currently on track to do so as they sit second in the Championship table.
If Farke is successful in returning the Yorkshire club to the promised land, Bamford’s time in Leeds colours may be up.
He is 31 in September, and you get the impression that with the Premier League team, he is someone who will be moved on and thanked for his services.
So, the next three months could be Bamford’s farewell gift to a squad that has treated him so well throughout his career.