BAM! Bielsa says star’s maturity has led to superb season

MARCELO BIELSA reckons Patrick Bamford’s stunning success in the Premier League this season can be attributed to the Leeds striker’s newfound “maturity”.

Bamford had endured a nomadic career before signing for Bielsa shortly after the Argentinian’s appointment in the summer of 2018.

The 27-year-old started out at Nottingham Forest and then signed for Chelsea as a teenager, where he failed to make a first-team appearance and had loan spells at six different clubs before joining Middlesbrough in 2017.

Bamford became Leeds’ then most expensive signing since Robbie Fowler when he arrived from Boro for £7million and his game has reached new heights under the 65-year-old’s astute guidance.

His 11 Premier League goals in 21 appearances this term have led to calls for a maiden England call-up.

Bielsa (right) said: “I don’t know how he was before he came to Leeds, but I can tell you that Bamford is a completely mature professional.

“What indicates whether a player has matured is the amount of attention he pays when he plays.

“That’s to say it’s very difficult for him not to be focused on the game and it’s very difficult to catch him by surprise.

“The other aspect is that he gets the best out of himself.

“For players in the best teams in the world – not the best players, but the players who are always at 100 per cent – there are very few situations in games which surprise them or are superior to them.

“Patrick obtained those two characteristics by becoming more mature. It’s not so frequent in young players but in those who have capitalised on their experiences.”

In 27 previous Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace, Norwich, Burnley and Boro, Bamford found the net just once.

Bielsa, whose side host

Palace at Elland

Road tomorrow, reckons Bamford has learnt lessons from his previous clubs.

The United boss added: “Bamford, it seems to me, is a player who has taken the correct conclusions from his career.

“He has been like this since I met him.”

Bamford drew criticism from some sections of the Elland Road fanbase last season for his wastefulness in front of goal, even though Leeds ultimately won the Championship.

Crucially, Bielsa’s faith in Bamford has never wavered and he remains crucial to Leeds’ game plan. Bamford revealed the importance of his manager’s backing in establishing himself at the Yorkshire giants – and now at Premier League level. He said: “I owe a lot to Marcelo because he’s the first manager who has seen me as an out-andout number nine.

“Other managers have known that I can do it, but have played me as a second striker or as a right winger.

“Bielsa has fully trusted me and he’s made me a better player.”

Bamford is a completely mature professional. He’s focused in games and it’s very difficult to catch him by surprise