By Kevin Phillips

1st Feb, 2020 | 6:00pm

Exclusive: Kevin Phillips delivers verdict on Bamford after Leeds defeat

Kevin Phillips has claimed Patrick Bamford is a Marcelo Bielsa favourite because he is ideal for the Leeds United playing style.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-England striker explained why the sometimes-maligned 26-year-old is such a good fit for the Championship promotion favourites.

Bamford was named in the Leeds starting XI for a league match for the 28th time this season in today’s Championship clash against Wigan Athletic at home.

But he drew another blank as Leeds slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Asked why Bielsa is such a big admirer of Bamford, Phillips told Football Insider: “Because I think he brings a bit of everything to his team. Of course he can score goals. Is he prolific?

“He could score more but what he does is his hold up play is excellent, his work rate is second to none and he’s getting better and better.

“He’s been around a while Patrick, he’s been at a few clubs but he’s a player you can rely on and he brings other people into play.

“His style of play, Bielsa, he likes to play off the front, people, runners off him and his link up play is very good.

“Of course he has chipped in with goals this year so that’s the reason I think he likes him.”

Bamford had scored 12 goals in this season’s Championship going into today’s match, six less than the division highest.

However, he has been criticised by a section of Leeds fans this season for missing so many clear-cut chances created by the team.

In other Leeds United news, it can be REVEALED that the club have agreed £2.5m new signing in fee and wages.