Former England striker Kevin Phillips believes Patrick Bamford's recent struggles are down to fatigue, with reinforcements needed this summer.
The Lowdown: Bamford experiences dip
Leeds United have had numerous star performers this season, but Bamford has undoubtedly been one of the key men, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists in the Premier League.
The 27-year-old has suffered a noticeable dip of late, however, not finding the net in his last five appearances - his last goal came at Fulham on March 19th - and lacking his usual all-round influence.
The Latest: Phillips blames fatigue
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claimed a long season has caught up with Bamford, saying it is why Marcelo Bielsa needs to sign another striker this summer:
"Bamford has played an awful lot of football this season and I think fatigue is setting in. He looks a bit tired to me. He has worked his socks off this season so there is no way I am going to criticise him because he has had a fantastic season.
"As a striker, you need to just keep believing. He will be watching videos and putting extra work in on the training ground.
"It is hard because he was on a hell of a run but the goals can dry up. He needs to keep putting himself in good positions and if he does that the goals will come.
"He has played a lot of football though so I think tiredness and fatigues is kicking in. They need to sign somebody in the summer who can share the burden."
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The Verdict: No worries over Bamford
It is only natural that Bamford has dropped off a little recently, considering the relentless nature of this season and Bielsa's physical demands of his players.
The Englishman has started all 34 league games, highlighting how much football he has played and why he may now be running on empty, even with Phillips suggesting he may actually be doing extra work on top of all that at Thorp Arch.
Bringing in an extra striker ahead of next season would ease the burden on Bamford, as Phillips alludes to, allowing him more of a breather and keeping him fresh for a whole campaign.
In other news, one Leeds-related transfer deal has reportedly been agreed - find out who the player in question is here.