Patrick Bamford has remained Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice forward during his time at Elland Road.
But that decision, at times, has been to the chagrin of some Leeds supporters, despite the fact that he has recorded 32 goals in 78 appearances for the club, having joined from Middlesbrough in February 2018.
And, thanks to his 19th-minute treble against Aston Villa on Friday night, the much-maligned Bamford has now racked up six goals in six games at the start of a Premier League season, a record only matched by Eric Cantona at the beginning of the 1992/1993 campaign.
The 27-year-old – who had not appeared in the Premier League for three years prior to this season – put Villa to the sword with his hat-trick, which means that Bielsa has overseen three top-flight victories and lifted them to fourth in the table.
“Everything Bamford gets, he deserves it, not because I have sympathy for him,” Bielsa said after the game at Villa Park.
“From my point of view, he has a lot of qualities. He produces a lot of danger.
He improves his efficiency and he will receive greater plaudits.
“He is a noble player who sacrifices a lot for the team and is generous, also.
“I think his development is more to do with him and how hard he works and less do with me.”
And while the modest Bielsa played down any notion that Bamford’s good form is down to him, there can be no doubting that the meticulous Argentine’s faith in the ex-Chelsea youngster has empowered him to take greater strides during his tenure at the club.
Bielsa – despite bringing in other attacking players, the Spanish striker Rodrigo, who joined in the summer, being a case in point – has always been Bamford’s biggest backer.
Back in September, 2019, the Leeds number nine had come under fire from a section of fans for his lack of goals, with a misfiring display in a 1-1 draw against Derby County leading to calls for him to be replaced by the then-on loan Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
Bielsa said at the time: “Patrick gives things to the team Eddie can also give.
“Patrick is a goalscorer, Eddie as well. Their difference in style is not too big because both of them can fill the position with the same efficiency.
“It’s difficult to answer this criticism, this talk is about a different situation.
“Sometimes, reality offers space for the polemic.”
Who could forget, too, the normally reticent Bielsa’s wild celebrations when Bamford netted a stunning volley during a training session a year earlier?
It led to the Leeds manager running the length of the pitch to hug his number nine and to offer him his congratulations.
Even though Leeds were at Championship summit in March, Bamford was still being criticised, having not scored since January.
But, after he netted in a 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, Bielsa continued to encourage Bamford and retorted: “I am happy for him.
“Centre-forwards need to score and he couldn’t do it for a long time.
“Today, he scored a typical goal from a centre-forward and it is going to be useful for him.”
