Whelan amazed by ‘brilliant’ Leeds development ‘no-one thought would happen’ after Bamford latest
Noel Whelan insists Leeds star Patrick Bamford is one of the most valuable forwards in the country.
The former Whites hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, reacted to the latest on Bamford.
On 26 August it was announced Bamford has received his first England call up for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
He was also handed a new long-term Leeds contract in August amid speculation about interest from Spurs.
This comes after a Premier League season in which he scored 17 goals.
He also played in every league game for Leeds as they finished in the top half.
Whelan has hailed Bamford for not giving in during his dark days at Leeds, when he was far from the popular figure he is today.
“He is one of the most valuable forwards in the country,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“He was a bargain price as well, £7million or something from Middlesbrough.
“When he signed for Leeds, no one thought this would happen and he would be getting in the England squad a few years down the line.
“That’s changed and it’s all down to Patrick. It’s down to his hard work and you have to thank Marcelo Bielsa.
“Everyone at the club deserves praise for helping him get there but it’s mainly down to Bamford.
“The new contract was brilliant and so deserved.
“He always believed in himself, even when he was getting abused from the stands.
“People said he couldn’t do it in the Premier League. I love the way he keeps coming back and shoving it in people’s faces.”
In other news, Costa has bleak Leeds future after Hay transfer update – Mills.