Leeds United’s struggles with set-pieces continue to hold them back, and according to Patrick Bamford, the answer to their dead-ball woes may be right under their noses—or rather, out on loan. Bamford has singled out Sam Greenwood, currently playing elsewhere, as Leeds’ best set-piece specialist.

Despite Daniel Farke’s squad creating plenty of open-play chances, a more potent set-piece threat could help turn those regular opportunities from corners and free-kicks into goals. Unlocking this potential could be the key to elevating Leeds’ game, potentially adding a valuable edge in their promotion push.

Patrick Bamford has revealed his high regard for Sam Greenwood’s set-piece prowess, describing the on-loan Leeds United forward as “ridiculous” when it comes to dead-ball situations. Bamford’s praise suggests Greenwood has a skillset that Leeds could sorely use, as Daniel Farke’s side has struggled to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities.

With Leeds continuing to create chances in open play, having a specialist like Greenwood back could unlock more scoring potential from free-kicks and corners. Bamford’s endorsement hints that Greenwood’s return might add a vital weapon to Leeds’ promotion campaign.

As many fans expected, Leeds United’s most talented free-kick taker isn’t on the pitch at Elland Road this season. Sam Greenwood, known for his dead-ball prowess, is currently on loan at Preston North End, where he’s getting more game time after struggling for minutes under Daniel Farke.

The decision to send Greenwood out on loan may leave Leeds missing a crucial element in set-piece situations, a skill that could make a difference in tight Championship clashes. The young attacker’s absence has left fans wondering what his precision could bring to Farke’s side, especially when goals from set pieces are at a premium.

Patrick Bamford didn’t mince words when he praised Sam Greenwood’s set-piece talent, labeling the 22-year-old as Leeds United’s top free-kick specialist. According to Bamford, Greenwood has held this distinction since breaking into the first team under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, despite now being out on loan at Preston.

On the My Mate’s a Footballer podcast with Joe Wilkinson, Bamford shared, “Sam’s free-kick ability is ridiculous. From the moment he came through, he’s been the best at the club from a dead ball.” Bamford’s admiration underscores what many Leeds fans already feel—that Greenwood’s absence leaves a gap in the team’s set-piece strength that has yet to be filled.

Reflecting on Sam Greenwood’s journey, Patrick Bamford couldn’t help but marvel at the midfielder’s free-kick prowess, which he first noticed while Greenwood was in Leeds United’s U21s. “When Jesse was manager, under Marcelo, we watched the U21s quite a bit. Every time there was a free kick, Sam was putting it in. He was ridiculous at it,” Bamford explained.

As Greenwood transitioned to the first team, his reputation as a dead-ball specialist became undeniable. Bamford recalled, “When he finally came up to the first team, there wasn’t even a discussion. It was just like, ‘Sam, you’re taking it.’ Honestly, he’s top-drawer at free kicks.” This high praise highlights what Leeds might be missing in Greenwood’s absence as he continues to impress on loan at Preston.

Leeds United could really benefit from having a set-piece specialist like Sam Greenwood back in the squad. Despite their creative strength in open play, Leeds have struggled to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities, a factor that could be improved with Greenwood’s talent.

Patrick Bamford has often spoken highly of Greenwood’s ability to deliver dangerous balls and score from dead-ball situations, noting that he stood out as soon as he started training with the first team. Currently on loan at Preston, Greenwood continues to hone his skills away from Elland Road. His precise, powerful free kicks and corners could make him the missing link in Leeds’ set-piece game, adding another threat that would be valuable in their promotion push.

While being a dead-ball specialist is just one part of the game, Sam Greenwood’s skill set remains a rare asset. For Leeds United, his free-kick and corner delivery could provide the kind of precision and threat they’re currently lacking in set-piece situations. Greenwood has consistently shown his knack for scoring from free kicks and creating dangerous opportunities from corners — qualities that often lead directly to goals.

Yet, in a system focused on more well-rounded, high-intensity play under Daniel Farke, Greenwood’s narrower specialization meant he struggled to secure a long-term place in the squad. As he continues to demonstrate his set-piece prowess on loan at Preston, it’s evident that Leeds might be missing a valuable weapon in his absence. His technical ability to curl a free kick over the wall or deliver a pinpoint corner could be the difference in close games where set-piece goals can tilt the balance.