Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has heaped praise upon Patrick Bamford, comparing him to Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino due to his importance in the team.
Bamford took his Premier League tally to six goals in as many matches with his second-half hat-trick on Friday night against Aston Villa, which has left the Whites fifth in the standings.
The performances from the ex-Chelsea forward have been one of the biggest stand-outs for Leeds in the first few months of the return to the top-flight.
His importance to Leeds has been identified by former Liverpool and England defender Carragher, who has made a comparison to Firmino's role in Jurgen Klopp's side.
"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," he told Sky Sports.
"At times he was getting criticism from his own supporters for missing chances last season in the Championship. He 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 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."
