Patrick Bamford believes Leeds United showed they can compete with the Premier League's best in Liverpool defeat

Patrick Bamford believes Leeds United showed they can compete with the best following a thrilling defeat to Premier League champions Liverpool.

Marcelo Bielsa's side came within two minutes of claiming a stunning point on Saturday night as Mo Salah struck late from the penalty spot - his third of the game - to secure a 4-3 victory for Jurgen Klopp's outfit.

The Whites stunned their counterparts by drawing level three times throughout the contest before the late goal dashed any hopes of Leeds leaving Merseyside with a point on the opening day.

United, though, earned plaudits for their performance as they adjusted to life in the top flight for the first time in 16 years under Bielsa's guidance.

"We showed a lot of character to keep coming back when we went down," Bamford said."We showed that we can compete with the best of the best.

"We've kind of shown to ourselves that we need to be 100 per cent on it all the time because any slip up in the Premier League you get punished.

"I think we've learnt a few lessons, but we've also shown a few positive signs. We're disappointed we didn't come away with anything.

"The first 20 minutes were really hard. It kind of flew by. It was tough to get involved in the game. They were pressing high and we were trying to press high so it was just very frantic.

"I'm not surprised with the way both teams play that there were quite a few goals."

Asked about opening his account for the season at Anfield, Bamford added: "I should've scored before but it's always nice for a striker to get off the mark straight away.

"I should've hit the first one instead of taking it round Alisson, so I'm kicking myself for not getting two."