Patrick Bamford’s opinion in emphasizing a Leeds United requirement for a successful promotion campaign has been underlined by a former Whites fan.
Leeds had just been relegated from the Championship when former midfielder David Prutton joined the club in August 2007 to help the club quickly escape the country’s third division.
The Elland Road club eventually returned to the Premier League three years later in 2010, but Prutton feels Daniel Farke’s team can return to the top flight at the first attempt, with the caveat that a 20-goal striker is required.
United’s bid for promotion is being steered by a manager who has achieved the feat twice before in the ultimate style of Championship champions with Norwich City in 2019 and 2021. Teemu Pukki netted 29 goals for the Canaries in the 2018-19 campaign and 26 two years later as Farke’s side dominated the league.
Prutton can still recall the attacking threat of both Norwich sides and believes it is “imperative” that Leeds can boast something similar, either by recruiting a new forward in the summer transfer market or by unearthing the goods from what already lies within.
Bamford and Georginio Rutter are currently Farke’s two main no 9 options following Rodrigo’s sale to Al-Rayyan and Prutton has thrown down the gauntlet to the pair, believing that Bamford is still capable of netting 20 goals in a season and that Rutter now has a “clean slate” to excel with the Whites.
“I could see Patrick doing it,” said Prutton to the YEP, asked if he could envisage any of the strikers still at Leeds surpassing 20 goals next term. “I’ve got no idea what Rutter can do at all.
“It’s a matter of who’s out there and who’s available, whether permanently or on loan,” Prutton explained. “I’m not sure who is on the market or what you would consider a person on the market.”
“However, I believe it is necessary.” Because Rodrigo is no longer available, you’ll need either Rutter or Patrick to step up. You get the impression that there is a segment of the fan base that is rooting for Patrick, which I understand.
“However, Rutter has a relatively clean slate to begin the Championship with, and he needs to hit the ground running, especially given his price tag.”
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