'He gets a lot of stick' - Carlton Palmer jumps to defence of 'phenomenal' Leeds player
Carlton Palmer has heaped praise on Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford for his “phenomenal” work rate.
The 27-year-old has started the season in impressive form, scoring seven times in his first eight Premier League matches, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa last month.
Only Son Heung-min, Jamie Vardy, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Mohamed Salah have scored more in the top flight so far this term.
But the forward has often come in for criticism during his time at Elland Road due to his lack of consistency in front of goal, and Palmer is of the opinion that he deserves to be cut a little more slack.
Speaking to Football Fancast, he said: “He gets a lot of stick.
“It’s amazing how many people talk about his misses and not talk about what he’s actually doing.
“It’s interesting that [Marcelo] Bielsa started with him up front. I think why he started with him is because he has got good quality. But more than that, his work rate is phenomenal."
The ex-Leeds midfielder also added that he was not surprised by the ease with which Bielsa has taken to competing in the Premier League.
“That’s not a shock that he’s come to the English league and is doing well,” he said.
“His reputation precedes him. He’s a very good manager and a very good coach.
“And you know what you’ve got to remember when you’re a manager or coach – you can only be a good manager and a good coach if you have the tools to do your job.”