Here is the Leeds United morning digest for Wednesday, October 28.
Carragher praises Bielsa for Bamford’s development
Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Marcelo Bielsa for Patrick Bamford’s success with Leeds.
This summer saw Bamford face questions about whether he could step up to the Premier League. He has answered those emphatically with six goals in his first six Premier League games this season.
Prior to this season Bamford had managed just one Premier League goal in 27 games, but that didn’t stop Bielsa showing faith in the striker, and that is why Carragher singled the Leeds boss for praise.
"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."
Meslier praised for key improvement with Leeds
Darren Bent has praised Illan Meslier for his drastic improvement since the opening day of the campaign.
The French shot-stopper conceded four times on the opening weekend of the season, but has secured clean sheets in the victories over Sheffield United and Aston Villa.
“Illan Meslier was absolutely superb against Aston Villa. He's very impressive," Bent told Football Insider.
“The very first game against Liverpool when he was trying to play it out from the back, I saw him kick the ball out of play a couple of times and I questioned it.
“But honestly since then some of the saves he’s been making, how comfortable he has been on the ball even when maybe the one before he hasn’t found his target.
“The way he distributes that football, how commanding he is, the way he plays with his feet, some of the saves he’s been making.
“I think he’s been absolutely superb. The save against Ezri Konsa, over the bar, I’m a big fan of his and I’m a big fan of Leeds.”
Secret to Bamford's Leeds success is spelt out
Patrick Bamford’s performances for Leeds United have been praised by BBC pundit Matt Jarvis.
The former Chelsea striker netted an impressive hat-trick against Aston Villa last week to take his tally for the season to six goals in six games.
Bamford’s form has come as no surprise to Jarvis, however, with the winger aware of his ability from their time together at Norwich.
"What can you say, I played with Patrick at Norwich and you could always tell he's got a fantastic ability to score goals," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"His left foot is fantastic, he's a good size, he's good in the air, he can finish with his right foot. When he was at Norwich, it was confidence for him and I think you can see now he's playing week in, week out and the manager backs him.
"There was a lot of press about him and can he cope in the Premier League, everyone was saying no, but the manager backed him and he started the season and he's been outstanding.
