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News
Barry Douglas hails Marcelo Bielsa for helping Leeds 27-year-old
Barry Douglas has praised Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa for the decision he’s made to stick with Patrick Bamford this season.
Douglas, 31, is a Leeds-owned defender who’s been out on loan at Blackburn Rovers this season, and his contract at Elland Road expires this summer.
He’s mentioned the huge success of Bamford this season, which he stresses Bielsa deserves much credit for.
Bamford retained his spot as the first-choice striker for the Whites this season, despite there being some criticism of him during last year’s promotion from the Championship.
Aged 27, he’s finally proven doubters wrong that he can be a success in the top division, and many want him to be called up to the England squad as a result.
He’s scored 15 goals and set up eight assists across all competitions this season.
“It shows what can happen when you give a player belief and give him that opportunity,” Douglas told .
“Credit has got to go the manager for sticking with him and encouraging him to work on the small details which has eventually paid off because now he’s doing it on the big stage week in week out.”
TBR’s View:
If you look at the player Bamford was a few years ago, the difference now is night and day after working under well-respected manager Bielsa for a period of time.
It makes sense that the left-footed forward has matured physically and with his movement, but the sheer energy he now plays with for 90 minutes surely wouldn’t be possible without Bielsa’s influence.
He’s not the only individual to benefit massively from the Argentine boss.
A large chunk of the Leeds side were considered regular Championship players a while ago, but Bielsa is now shining in the Premier League with those same guys.