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da aviator aposta： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leeds have started the season in brilliant form, winning three of their opening four Championship matches.
It’s a record that mirrors how they began the 2018/19 term and Patrick Bamford has been particularly important so far.
He has three goals, two of which came against Wigan whilst he also netted on the opening weekend in a clash with Bristol City too.
Yet, he can still have an impact on the game even when he’s not finding the back of the net.
On the chalkboard
Against Brentford on Wednesday, Leeds struggled to create too many clear cut opportunities as Bamford was restricted to just two shots in the whole game.
In total, the Whites managed eight key passes as it took them until the 81st minute to actually find the net.
Helder Costa and Eddie Nketiah linked up brilliantly as the former surged forward to the byline before playing a ball across goal which was converted.
But the role Nketiah’s strike partner had in the goal was equally as important, proving why Leeds can still score goals even if the 25-year-old isn’t finding the net himself.
Bamford has shown improved fitness levels this season, something backed up by claims from Noel Whelan this week who was impressed with his ability to chase back.
However, this time he was racing forward in the final ten minutes, not showing a lack of energy.
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His movement was particularly vital here.
He and Nketiah effectively started in the same position just beyond the halfway line but as the latter moved to the back post, Bamford held back and then made a quick dart to the front stick instead.
This was intelligent from the former Middlesbrough man as he dragged the defender inside the six-yard box towards him, which ultimately meant that there was a space for Costa to slide the ball across.
Had Bamford not been there then it’s highly unlikely Nketiah would have been granted the space to find Leeds’ winner.
Playing the two together is sure to guarantee a larger goal threat, but Bamford may not even have to score to ensure this happens.
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