Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has been well short of his best so far this season, according to former Premier League goalscorer Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Lowdown: Bamford makes slow start

Bamford was arguably the Whites' star man in 2020/21, topping the scoring charts with 17 Premier League goals and even being hailed as 'exceptional' by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The hope was that the 28-year-old would take his form into this season, but it hasn't quite panned out that way, with only one goal coming his way to date.

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The Latest: Pundit lays into striker

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor was critical of Bamford's influence in recent weeks, also picking out other Leeds players who have struggled to replicate their previous brilliance:

"The problem with Leeds is that certain players aren’t turning up.

"For me, Patrick Bamford has not been good enough this season. He had a couple of chances against Newcastle and didn’t look sharp like he did last season. It looks like his confidence to score is not there.

"Raphinha is the main man, he’s outstanding. Liam Cooper at the back was skinned by Saint-Maximin. Players like him and Klich are not performing.

"As a team, they’re not scaring teams like they used to. Teams have got used to them, teams will know if you run and work as hard as Leeds you can beat them.

"That’s what Newcastle did. Newcastle were the better team against Leeds. They matched them physically and they knew without Raphinha popping up with something, they’ve not got much.

"I think Leeds will be fine but they’re not going to be anywhere near where they were last season."

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The Verdict: Too early to panic

It is still only September, so there is no need to go over the top with regards to Bamford, even though he clearly hasn't been as impressive so far this season.

He has still done well at times, assisting twice in the league, and the hope is that his form will improve once the team as a whole goes up a gear.

Bamford was always going to be under scrutiny, as he looked to prove he wasn't a 'one-season wonder' in the top flight, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, Leeds have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.