Who needs scouts and coaches when you can ask chatgpt
Is Patrick Bamford still good at football
Short answer:
yes and no — Bamford still has useful qualities, but his recent form, fitness and role have all declined significantly.
Here’s a fuller breakdown:
What the positives are
- Bamford has proven in the past that he can perform at a high level. For example, during the 2020-21 season at Leeds United in the Premier League he scored 17 goals. StatMuse+2Wikipedia+2
- He brings more than just goal-scoring: intelligent movement, pressing, ability to act as a focal point up front. One article noted that even in recent years, despite the decline in goals, his ability to occupy defenders and create space for others remains “arguably more present … than any other striker at the club”. Leeds United News
- When fully fit, he still has the build and experience to contribute at a high level.
What the concerns are
- Injuries: Bamford has had recurrent fitness issues which have prevented consistent high-level performance. Yorkshire Post+1
- Form drop: In the 2024-25 season in the Championship, his output was very low. According to one source: 17 appearances, 0 goals, little to no starting games. FootyStats
- Role at his club: His manager at Leeds, Daniel Farke, publicly stated that Bamford is not part of his plans for the upcoming season. FotMob+2Yorkshire Post+2
- Finished product: Even when he’s come into games, the chance conversion and overall sharpness have been questioned. For instance:
My verdict
Bamford
can still be good — especially if you get the version of him that’s fit and confident. But right now:
- He is not the reliable, high-output striker he once was.
- He seems to be moving into a phase where he is more of a squad option, substitute, or brings value in specific scenarios (e.g., pressing, movement) rather than being the main goal-scorer.
- Many signs suggest his best years (in terms of consistent output) are behind him.