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David Byrom

Patrick Bamford proving to be Leeds United's talismanic Eric Cantona figure after record

Patrick Bamford's hat-trick for Leeds United against Aston Villa means he has broken a 28-year-old duck for the Whites.

The striker has become the first player since Eric Cantona in 1992/93 to score six or more goals in Leeds' opening six games of a top-flight season.

Opta's Jonny Cooper has shared some stats that are likely of interest to Whites fans, including the fact Bamford is the first Leeds player in 28 years to score six goals in the first six top-flight games of a season.

Prior to Cantona, the last player to do so was Peter Lorimer in 1973/74.

Beren @ Villa 0-3 Leeds

Bamford is just the sixth player in Leeds' history to achieve the feat, although one player's stats stand out over the rest.

Back in 1933/34, Arthur Hydes netted an incredible nine goals in Leeds' opening six matches, with the forward spending three consecutive seasons as the Whites' top scorer.

Another impressive feat saw two players hit six goals in the opening six top-flight matches in the 1928/29 season, with Russell Wainscoat and Charlie Keetley both free-scoring.

Despite their strong start, Leeds ended up finishing 13th that season.

In fact, a free-scoring striker early in the season does not seem to guarantee success for the Whites.

It was only in 1973/74 that Lorimer's goals helped them to the First Division title, with the Whites finishing ninth in 1933/34 and 17th in 1992/93, although this was not helped by Cantona moving to Manchester United in November 1992.

Bamford's form has won praise from Watford striker Troy Deeney.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney said he could not understand the criticism Bamford received from some in the Championship.

“The amount of stick he got last year was huge even though he did well,” Deeney said. “He’s decided to use the promotion to show everyone what he is all about.

"I would say the lack of fans could be helping him, but he has always been a great finisher.

“He’s not the fastest striker, he’s always anticipating to get to the near post because the wingers are lively.

"When you’ve got that confidence that another chance is coming, you know you’re in a good vein of form."

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