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Patrick Bamford on learning from Harry Kane, Marcelo Bielsa’s ‘massive’ impact, hoping to get assists from Leeds signing Dan James and the ‘stigma’ surrounding private school and football
Patrick Bamford says he's learning from new teammate Harry Kane, who he labelled the 'best striker in the world.'
The Leeds striker is training with Kane having received his first senior England call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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Bamford, though, believes he and his fellow striker are different in their own right.
"I've not really modelled my game on Harry," Bamford said. "For me, he's the best striker in the world as an out-and-out no.9.
"But there are certain aspects where I look up to him and see where I can improve. Even in training I saw how crisp his contacts with the ball is when he's finishing.
"I don't know if our game is as similar as people make out because I run in behind a lot more and there are different aspects of it but there are definitely things I can learn from him."
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Bamford announced himself to the Premier League with 17 goals on Leeds' return to the top flight last term.
His performances weren't quite enough to get him into the Euro 2020 squad but he's been selected for England's first matches since their heart-breaking defeat to Italy in July.
And not for the first time, Bamford credited Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa for helping change the course of his career.
"He's not said too much to me [about the England call-up]," Bamford added. "I think he wanted to keep me level-headed, keep me working hard so I could concentrate on the game at the weekend.
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"But after the game he saw me talking to my mum and dad. He came over and congratulated them and just said to enjoy it. He's not one to make a massive fuss over it.
"In terms of the imprint he's had on me and on my game, it's massive. He's improved me no end and I think that goes for the whole squad.
"He's improved certain aspects of my game that I probably wouldn't have even thought about as he's very meticulous with detail and always wants to improve."
Bielsa and Leeds were busy on deadline day of the transfer window as they sealed the £25million signing of Dan James.
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Bamford says he's excited what the former Manchester United man will bring - and hopes he and James will have a good partnership on the pitch together.
"It would be easy to say that he brings extreme pace but I've played against him a few times in the Premier League and you see he's got quality as well," Bamford said.
"It's up to him to try and force his way into the team. I'm sure he has a lot to offer - hopefully he can provide a fair few assists!"
At 27 years old, Bamford can be seen as a late bloomer in football, with some previously believing he didn't have what it takes to exceed at the highest level.
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It's been suggested that the perceptions of him lacking the strength to play at the top were down to the fact he was privately educated and Bamford admits he felt that 'stigma' in his early years as a pro.
"I think there was always a slight stigma when I was younger," he said.
"Now football has evolved and I think people were more understanding of not just my situation but everyone's situation.
"You can't just judge someone by the way they've been brought up or their background because you've got to let them show their stuff.
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"It's something that's developed in football as the years have gone on... it's one of those things that's not so much of a problem now. I never actually thought it was that much of a problem either, it's only when you think about it that there might be slight issues."
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