When Leeds were promoted from the Championship last term, all eyes were on Patrick Bamford.
The former Middlesbrough striker hasn’t had the easiest of rides in Leeds colours and was slated relentlessly by supporters at times last term.
Though, once all was said and done, he was the club’s top scorer as they sealed their passage back to the top-flight.
He had an awful conversion rate, finding the net just 16 times from an expected goals tally of 34.77. Bamford was being given plenty of chances to score but time and time again, he’d miss the target.
Based on that, you’d think he would have struggled this season. However, that has been far from the case. In fact, he’s lit up the Premier League with brilliant dynamic performances.
Bamford is now in the conversation to be picked for England and is the sixth top scorer in the division, amassing 12 strikes. His conversion rate of 18% still leaves plenty to be desired but he has a better shot accuracy than Harry Kane – that’s certainly no mean feat.
But what if we were to suggest he could get even better? Well, that would certainly be the case if the club sign Douglas Costa from Juventus.
The winger is currently on loan at Bayern Munich in Germany but recent reports claim that Marcelo Bielsa has identified him as a summer target. With Raphinha being linked to Liverpool, this piece of news is timely.
The 31-cap Brazilian might now be getting on a bit at the age of 30, but he’s still an incredibly dangerous player, possessing qualities that have the potential to usurp those of Raphinha’s.
Throughout his career, Costa has been a wizard in possession of the ball. When he cuts inside there are very few that can stop him, something testified by his attacking numbers.
The attacker has endured a few seasons of misfortune, generally playing more games as a substitute. Though, in his last term where he started regularly – 2017/18 – he was on fire. Costa picked up four goals but registered 12 assists in the process.
That type of creative record is only matched by Pablo Hernandez in the last few years at Leeds. It’s hardly a surprise that Italian newspaper Sport Mediaset (via Tribuna) once hailed Costa the ‘lord of assists.’
With that in mind, Bamford would surely benefit from further goalscoring opportunities. Add the Brazilian’s ability to beat players and drag defenders towards him and it would open up the space for Leeds’ current number 9 to move into and prosper.
You only need to look at the way Raphinha lures defenders in to get a sense for what Costa and Bamford could achieve together at Elland Road.
For context, the Leeds target has managed 2.5 dribbles per game throughout his club career. Raphinha, on the other hand, is considerably down on 1.3 take-ons.
It’s evident why Costa could improve Bamford.
AND in other news, Leeds must revisit move for “very special” 7-goal artist, he’s everything Orta needs…