Leeds United are under serious pressure ahead of facing Middlesbrough tonight at the Riverside Stadium. A run of one win in six has pushed them out of the automatic promotion spots, and they are in desperate need of three points. The Whites need some inspiration, and it could come from within if a certain player defies all expectations in the upcoming weeks.
Daniel Farke and his Leeds United players are well aware of the criticism they will face if they do not get promoted to the Premier League for the second season running.
Their poor form over the last few weeks has allowed Burnley and Sheffield United to leapfrog them in the Championship standings, and they are no longer the favourites to earn automatic promotion.
Leeds need some of their senior players to rise up to the occasion, and help the younger players to get through this difficult period. However, one Leeds star has a chance to confound expectations in the coming weeks.
Patrick Bamford can be the unlikely hero for Leeds United
Bamford made his first appearance for Leeds in the 1-1 draw at Luton on Saturday since a cameo performance on New Year’s Day earlier this year.
The forward has had another frustrating season of injuries and long rehabilitation periods. He is unlikely to ever start for Leeds again, given his injury history.
However, Bamford gives Daniel Farke one more striker option beyond Joel Piroe, who has scored just once in seven games, and Mateo Joseph, who has netted just three goals this season.
He remains a threat inside the penalty box, and despite all the injury troubles, he still has the striker’s instincts, which could be important in tight games in the coming weeks.
Bamford is no longer the player who got Leeds promoted and scored 17 goals in a single Premier League season. However, he still has the talent to produce a couple of more special moments in the White shirt.
One last hurrah for Bamford in a Leeds shirt
Bamford will still have a year left on his £70,000 per week contract in the summer, but Leeds are almost certain to find a way to move him on.
So, it is clear, the next few appearances for the striker will be his last few in a Leeds shirt, and he would want to end his time at Elland Road on a high.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United players?
Leeds need a couple of special moments to spark them back to life, and who better to do it than the hero of their last promotion campaign?
Bamford can still score a couple of goals that will ensure that his name remains etched in the memories of Leeds fans for years to come.
