Chris Sutton has been perplexed by a “ridiculous” Patrick Bamford decision in the match between Leeds United and Norwich City.
Daniel Farke’s Whites advanced to the Championship playoff final with a 4-0 win on Thursday (16 May), with to goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, and Crysencio Summerville.
While Bamford was ruled out of both legs of the semifinal match due to injury, Sutton was quick to dismiss the criticism the English forward receives from many in and around Elland Road, believing he makes Leeds better.
On Sky Sports Main Event (16 May, 19:47), he stated: “It’s ridiculous that the jury is still out on Patrick Bamford for what he has done for this club.”
“You keep it simple: are Leeds a better team with Bamford? Absolutely.”
Will Patrick Bamford depart Leeds United and Elland Road in the summer transfer window?
While Leeds United did the job on Thursday night, there will be a sense among supporters that it could have been much more pleasant if Bamford had been fit and available for both games.
The England international had an extremely poor start to the season, and it appeared that his days at Elland Road were done, but in the second part of the season, he demonstrated that he still has plenty of life in his legs.
He may not be as interesting to watch as Georginio Rutter or Crysencio Summerville, but Bamford might be equally essential. When he starts up top, he appears to make people around him tick, which is invaluable.
It remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play at Wembley Stadium, but you would have to believe the Whites striker will not be a Leeds player if Farke’s side fails to get promotion this season, as he will have plenty of suitors.
