'Maybe Dominic Calvert-Lewin is more powerful' - but Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of Leeds United's Patrick Bamford

The Everton boss and the Whites forward missed each other at Chelsea, Bamford arriving at Stamford Bridge eight months after Ancelotti's departure.

So began Bamford's flirtations with the English top flight, via loan spells with Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley, none of which resulted in a goal.

A permanent move to Middlesbrough saw him hit the top flight net, once, before their relegation and an eventual £7m move to Elland Road.

And while Bamford was helping to fire the Whites to promotion from the Championship last season, Ancelotti was making his way back to England, taking the Everton job in December 2019.

The Italian, like everyone involved in the Premier League, is now very aware of the 27-year-old goalscorer.

Ancelotti, one of Bamford's throng of newfound admirers, likens him to Everton's own number nine, who also has 11 goals in the division.

“Honestly I didn’t know Bamford, he plays really well and is a really good striker," said Ancelotti.

"He scored a fantastic goal against Leicester.

"I didn’t know him before, but I have to say he is a fantastic striker. To compare with Dominic [Calvert-Lewin] they have more or less the same characteristics.

"Maybe Dominic is more powerful, but in-game Bamford is really intelligent.”

Ancelotti's side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bamford and his team-mates earlier in the season at Goodison Park.

They meet again at Elland Road tomorrow night and Ancelotti is hoping his team's penchant for results on the road - they're unbeaten in five away from home - will help gain a measure of revenge.

“Leeds are in a good position, it’s always entertaining games against them," he said.

"Of course it will be difficult, they beat us at Goodison. We have confidence because away usually we do better, but we have to know it will be a game with a lot of intensity.

"I met [Bielsa] only one time and it was not good for me, because we lost. I hope to equalise tomorrow.

"I have a lot of respect for him because his team is playing really well."