Patrick Bamford reveals Chelsea as the toughest opponent he has played this season
Speaking on The Athletic’s Ornstein and Chapman podcast (h/t The Metro), Patrick Bamford believes Chelsea are the toughest team Leeds United have faced in the Premier League this season.
Both sides faced off in an end to end encounter at Stamford Bridge last week. The Blues prevailed 3-1 and briefly went top of the league.
“I think that’s probably the best team we’ve played this year.”
Bamford was on target that day after he rounded Edouard Mendy to put Marcelo Bielsa’s side ahead on the night.
Leeds have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and find themselves comfortably in mid table. Their strategy of taking the game to the opposition has seen them garner much admiration this season.
The Elland Road outfit gave Liverpool a scare on opening day while also holding Manchester City and Arsenal to draws. Given the sides they have faced, Bamford’s admission is a badge of honour for Frank Lampard.
“Our physical stats weren’t bad but Chelsea really outperformed what they’ve done the rest of the season, in terms of physically.”
Bielsa is a shrewd opponent and Chelsea were given a tough time by Leeds. However, it is a testament to our mental strength and tenacity that we could power our way to all three points.
Even the Leeds boss admitted that Chelsea were deserving of the win. The win saw keep within touching distance of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
“I thought the result was fair.”
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Bamford spent five years at Chelsea, predominantly out on loan. The 27-year-old was prolific for our Under-23s side but failed to make the step up to the senior team. (h/t Transfermarkt)
He has enjoyed an excellent start to the current campaign and is one of Leeds’ best players.