Former Leeds United man Lee Sharpe has told the club that Patrick Bamford will be a "key player" for them if they are to avoid being relegated from the Premier League this season.
The Whites held Brentford to a frustrating 0-0 draw at Elland Road in their last league game as Jesse Marsch's side had the better chances to win the match overall. Many thought that new signing Georginio Rutter would be handed his debut, but the American decided that he did not want to risk "unleashing" the Frenchman just yet.
Bamford came off the bench late on in the match and despite failing to find the back of the net in his 10 minute cameo, Sharpe is adamant that the 29-year-old will play a vital role for his side in their fight against the drop this term.
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"Bamford is certainly a key player for them," Sharpe told NewCasinoUK. "I know he takes a bit of stick for missing a few but the work rate that he puts in, chasing down and not letting defenders have any time, I think he sets the standard for the whole team to go and press and defend from a high line. It’s just goalscoring with Bamford that they need from him really."
Despite Leeds now being winless in their last six games, Sharpe insists that his former club will stay in the English top flight, regardless of his belief that the clubs around the Whites have stronger squads.
"I think Leeds will be alright," he added. "I think they’re playing a bit of catch up having not strengthened enough when [Marcelo] Bielsa was there, so are a little bit behind the other teams there.
"I think recruitment in the summer was decent, and if they can keep everyone fit then they’ve got as good a chance as anyone of staying up. But it’s about keeping key players fit as I don’t think the strength of the squad is as good as some of the other teams around them."
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