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Micah Richards has given a glowing verdict on the ability of Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford, highlighting his movement and finesse around the penalty box as a real strength of his game that gets overlooked.

Bamford, who earns £35,000-a-week (Spotrac), is enjoying a superb individual campaign in the top flight that is surely surpassing his pre-season expectations.

The 27-year-old previously failed to earn regular minutes in the Premier League with former clubs, but he’s now getting the opportunity as the leading frontman at Elland Road.

He’s an in-form striker that has 14 goals and seven assists in 29 league games so far.

BBC pundit Richards has singled out the Leeds centre-forward for immense praise.

“I love Bamford… I love his link-up play. He holds the line really well,” Richards told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“For me, he’s one of the most underrated strikers in the Premier League. If you actually watch him, his movement and his lovely touches around the box. His left foot, you don’t know which way he’s going to turn.”

TBR’s View:

If you were looking at one player in the division that is most unfortunate not to receive an international call-up, then Leeds star Bamford would surely be at the front of the queue.

He’s not managed to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad, but surely a first senior call-up can’t be far away if he continues performing in the same vein at Leeds.

With nine league matches remaining, Bamford should be eyeing a strong finish to the season to try break the 20-goal barrier.

The left-footed attacker has improved with his decision-making in the final third, plus his overall game under manager Marcelo Bielsa has reached an incredible level.