Leeds United fans were left lauding Patrick Bamford after a statistic emerged showing how big of an impact the centre-forward makes on the side.
According to LUFCDATA, when the former Middlesbrough man is on the pitch, Marcelo Bielsa’s side concede a goal every 134 minutes. However, when Bamford isn’t playing that number falls drastically to a goal every 47 minutes. It’s no shock to see the difference in defensive performances with and without the striker especially when you look at his contribution so far this season.
One fan called him a ‘focal figure’.
His hold up play, closing down and defending set pieces makes him a focal figure in the way we play. That’s why I always like @Patrick_Bamford wearing our shirt.
— stu-leeds (@stuartmyershot1) February 27, 2020
One of the Englishman’s strengths is being able to act as the first line of defence with the 26-year-old averaging the third-most fouls per league game in the team, as per WhoScored. This shows that Bamford is good at breaking the play up when opposition teams are attempting to launch attacks. Fans were left complimenting the forward as they took to Twitter to react. Here is a selection of tweets from the Elland Road faithful:
He’s honestly one of the most baffling players to play for Leeds. Does so much for the team in every aspect except what his main job is to do.
— Tim (@LeedsTim) February 27, 2020
Great stat and the lad is doing a stella job, but a goal once in a while would be useful
— Michael Bowen (@mbow50) February 27, 2020
I don’t care what anyone says he might not score goals but he terrorises the opposition every game
— i kill revs (@questnub) February 27, 2020
That’s fantastic but we need someone to give us goals, I believe he’s the number 9
— mulvers (@mulvers) February 27, 2020
Defending from the front
— mark gallacher (@markg341) February 27, 2020
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Leeds fans, do you think Bamford should keep his starting place due to his defensive contributions? Let us know your thoughts below!
