Exclusive: Leeds 27-yr-old tipped for new role after surprise training ground update

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford will struggle in the Premier League, according to Kevin Phillips.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, the former European golden shoe winner believes Marcelo Bielsa will use Bamford mainly as an impact player.

However, this site revealed that Bielsa had dropped a major hint that the 27-year-old will surprisingly start ahead of club-record signing Rodrigo against Liverpool.

In a specially arranged friendly, Bamford started up front for what was effectively Bielsa's first-choice side while Rodrigo led the line for the Under-23s.

Asked by Football Insider whether the Englishman will have more of an impact than he did in previous seasons in the Premier League, Phillips said: "I think he'll be used more of an impact player.

"He's obviously more experienced but he didn't score too many goals in the Championship and now you're going up to the Premier League. 

"He'll start the odd game I just think it will be difficult for him because he didn't really score the goals that Leeds were expecting last year.

"He chipped in with a few but now he's going to be playing against better opposition I think it will be difficult for him.

"So I see him more as an impact player."

Bamford has previously played in the Premier League for Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Burnley and Middlesborough.

The striker scored just one goal in his previous 27 Premier League appearances and was on the winning side three times.

Last season, Bamford scored 16 goals in 45 Championship appearances for Leeds United but came under a lot of criticism for missing multiple golden chances.

In other news, Football Insider can REVEAL Leeds United are confident of completing two new signings in the coming days after fee agreed.