Leeds United's Patrick Bamford compared to key Liverpool man amid impressive Premier League form

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford has been compared to key Liverpool man Firmino for his crucial role in Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The Whites' number nine has made an impressive start to life in the Premier League having bagged six goals in six outings this term.

Newly-promoted United have claimed three victories already with Bamford scoring the club's first Premier League hat-trick for 17 years at Aston Villa last week.

The forward came in for criticism in Leeds' promotion push for his lack of firepower but has responded by starting the new campaign in stunning form.

Bielsa opted to stick with his forward through trickier times last season due to his work rate and importance to the team.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher, though, believes that comparisons can be drawn between Bamford and a certain reigning top flight champion at Anfield.

“The thing about Bamford is, when Leeds came up to the Premier League we all envisaged that Leeds would spend big money to replace him,” Carragher said.

“At times he was getting criticism from his own supporters for missing chances last season in the Championship. They brought Rodrigo in from Valencia and you think he will go up front.

“Bamford is one of those players who is similar to – I don’t think he’s exactly the same type of player – but Firmino, before he scored at the weekend, had gone 25, 26 games without a goal or one goal. But there’s probably no thought of [Jurgen] Klopp dropping him.

“I think Bamford is the same with Leeds. Bielsa looks for more than just the goals with him, it’s what he brings to the team, the energy, the pressing, his understanding of the system.

“I wouldn’t say goals are a bonus, because he’s a striker, but I think that’s well done to Bielsa.

“He’s always stood by him when he’s had criticism from supporters and whether he was good enough for the Premier League. I’m delighted for him.”