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Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

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Leeds fans discuss Patrick Bamford’s comments on Ian Poveda in training

Will Butcher
Will Butcher

Patrick Bamford has told the Leeds United official podcast that Ian Poveda has changed his ways in training after initially turning up late to the Thorp Arch complex – and Leeds supporters have raved about the winger on Twitter.

Poveda, 20, joined Leeds in January 2020 and has since gone on to make 13 appearances in all competitions, regularly coming off the bench in the Championship or in the Premier League. He is a regular for the Under-23’s.

Clearly, he has enormous talent. At City, he was taken under Raheem Sterling’s wing and now at Leeds – his personality has struck a chord with supporters, especially to his teammates.

In the new Leeds podcast, Bamford sets the scene regarding the young winger. He explains how Poveda was turning up late to training, given he was still living in Manchester. But after a chat, he is now one of the first players in.

Everton v Leeds United - Premier League
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“Start of this season he was turning up late,” . “He lived in Manchester and he was struggling a bit with the traffic. The lads put an arm round him and said ‘look, you want to break into the team, you’ve got to change that’.

“He listens, he’s a good lad. Believe it or not, the fitness stuff is up at 7.30am and he will be out on the pitch already doing stuff on his own. God knows what time he leaves his house. He’s turned it around, he’s reliable with that now.”

Not only is it testament to Poveda and his willingness and drive to break into the Leeds side – but it also shows the family feel at Leeds. Players are not cast aside, but they are helped along, told how to improve and where to do that.

Leeds fans reacted on Twitter in their drones to Bamford’s comments on Poveda, many delighted with the player’s attitude. Poveda is expected to be in the squad that travels to London ahead of Saturday’s game against Tottenham.

http://twitter.com/marcdrye/status/1344743098530852864