Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has criticised Patrick Bamford in the aftermath of Leeds United's defeat to Leicester City.
Goals from Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy, alongside a brace from Youri Tielemans, saw Leeds defeated at Elland Road, with Stuart Dallas' effort proving to merely be a consolation.
Leeds did have opportunities in the game, with Bamford among those to spurn opportunities, and that has earned him criticism.
Owen compared his role in front of goal to that of Vardy's, who he states is more clinical, and suggested that the Bamford seen last night was the one 'we probably expected to see'.
“It would be harsh to say this was the Bamford we probably expected coming out of the Championship; it would be harsh, but it probably is," he told Optus Sport.
“He has exceeded all expectations so far in the Premier League but when you see Vardy and his cuteness, his precision when he sees half a chance he is in for the kill. Whereas Bamford, he has needed a couple of chances and still hasn’t scored. He’s got to be braver.
“I know I hear people say ‘you’ve got to hit the target’. No, that’s what happens when you just hit the target. It is not about hitting the target – that’s when you’re eight years old, you just hit the target.
“When you’re a Premier League striker you have got to take risks… and try to find corners. It is not about hitting the target. Then they go down the other end and do what Leicester do best.”
While Bamford didn't have the best of games against Leicester, he has been integral to Marcelo Bielsa's side this season having hit six goals and one assist in seven matches.
He will be looking to return to form this weekend when Leeds travel to London to tackle Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
