Jermaine Beckford on the challenge he has set Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford bagged his third goal in five games against Stoke City
Jermaine Beckford has revealed that he has challenged Patrick Bamford to find his selfish streak more often as Leeds United's promotion charge continues.
The Whites secured a stunning 5-0 win over Stoke City on Thursday with Marcelo Bielsa's men seeing five different scores find the back of the net in LS11.
Bamford - who has come in for criticism this season for not being ruthless enough in front of goal - capped off the night in added time with a fine first time finish from a tight angle as his shot struck both posts before crossing Jack Butland's line.
It was the 26-year-old's 16th goal in league action this term and his third goal in five games since the restart of the campaign in late June.
Beckford - who is no stranger to the pressures of being United's number nine at Elland Road - has revealed the advice he has given the current one.
“Marcelo Bielsa wants a selfless striker," Beckford told Sky Sports.
"He wants players who are gonna work for the team, not necessarily for themselves. I briefly had a chat with him after the Blackburn game, and I said to him, ‘I’m not gonna take anything away from what you’re being told or taught, but be a little bit more selfish’.
"Ultimately, you’re getting judged on goals. He said, ‘Yes, Becks. No problem’. Bamford is one of those players who always wants to learn. He takes in a lot of information.
"We can see the contribution he makes to this Leeds team, without him in the starting XI - Leeds are a completely different team.”
Asked about Bamford's performance against the Potters, Beckford added: "“All-round, I think he had a really good day today.
"He had five (shots) on target. I’m pretty sure that’s got to be up there with the most he’s had in a game.
"His positioning, movement, link-up play - he was finding himself more and more in the vital and dangerous areas that a Leeds number nine should find themselves in."