According to Adam Pope, Leeds United are a better team with Patrick Bamford in it, regardless of how people feel about the striker “getting pelters” for his wounded knee.
The BBC journalist discussed the 30-year-old’s situation on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet on April 29, following his absence from the nightmarish 4-0 loss at QPR on Friday night (April 26), with manager Daniel Farke noting the extreme views surrounding his player after the game.
The German argued that people want Bamford to quit when he underperforms and then lay all of the Whites’ hopes on him if he does [Phil Hay, 26 April], and Pope concurs that the forward can’t win either way.
He remarked (14m): “Farke later said that one minute they want him to retire, and the next they think he’s God’s gift when he’s not playing. Look, this is true.
“That’s why I was surprised when he dropped him the other week, and people can say whatever they want; we don’t know the medical situation behind his knee, ‘Ooh, he’s got a little bruise.'” He’s getting pelted for it.
“He can’t get a break, either way. He scored on Monday night in a crucial 4-3 victory, so they are better with him in the team; whether you agree or not, the facts are that Leeds are better with Bamford in the team.”
Daniel Farke advocates for moderation surrounding Leeds United striker
Bamford has been a controversial figure among fans, but he remains the best number nine at Elland Road.
His high-profile penalty failures last season and earlier this season raised the possibility that he may be forced to leave the club owing to the pressure he had put on himself from fans.
Asmir Begovic’s red card in the reverse fixture against QPR [Mirror, 5 October] and a handball goal against Rotherham in February have made him particularly controversial outside the club.
However, the eight goals he has scored since being promoted to the regular starting XI in 2024 have been critical, and with Joel Piroe struggling for form recently, Leeds United have found themselves back in the situation they were in the previous two seasons, needing Bamford to lead the line in order to perform well.
Although his fitness has improved this season, it is unsurprising that he has still missed games given the injury nightmare he had in the Premier League.
There appears to be little middle ground when it comes to Bamford, as any opinion on him is strongly held, yet he might still be the difference in the club’s promotion chances.
