da dobrowin： This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
da doce： Earlier in the season Patrick Bamford was insistent that he was focusing on club matters rather than international football
But is that something that might well come back to hurt his chances for Leeds? Quite possibly.
While the centre forward was busy away from the match action over the break, his main competition was not only in the goals but also making a massive statement to his manager.
Eddie Nketiah scored last week versus Slovenia for England’s U21s before the striker then got himself on the score sheet three times against Austria on Tuesday evening.
Even away from Leeds, he still scores goals.
The 20-year-old put in an incredibly lively performance and on another day could have helped himself to four strikes.
What was thought to be his first went down as an own goal before it was then given back to him while he also missed a penalty. Despite that final aspect, he put his starting credentials right at the forefront of Marcelo Bielsa’s mind.
Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Bamford has gone six matches without a goal now and since he last netted, Nketiah has scored eight for club and country.
That speaks volumes about how good he’s been, but also why it’s slightly baffling that he hasn’t been given more of a chance.
Nketiah’s first goal initially went down as an own goal so graphic correct at time of writing. Since corrected to three goals.
Leeds’ number nine has had a tireless attitude in recent weeks and has deservedly earned acclaim for the way he’s worked, but the fact of the matter is that the Whites lack goals and he isn’t finding the net.
Bielsa’s men average the highest number of shots per game in the division but only sit tenth in terms of goals scored.
It’s damning and it could well be something that halts them in their tracks in terms of promotion.
But Nketiah is the real focus here. He’s still yet to start in the league and even if his manager still doesn’t trust him entirely, he must bite the bullet at some point with his selection.
Why are Leeds fans the best in the country? Find out in the video below…
The 20-year-old is currently doing all he can to make his name heard and even voiced his feelings after the game.
He revealed to Sky Sports: “I will never be happy with being on the bench. I want to play. I pride myself on being in the team. I think I am good enough to be in the team.”
It was a staunch message from Nketiah who is now surely closer than ever to starting in west Yorkshire.
If he doesn’t play from the off this weekend, the 64-year-old will be in serious danger of not only upsetting supporters but also damaging their hopes of winning too.
His three goals against Austria shows he’s in form and has to be considered.