Here at Read Chelsea, we have been analysing the list of Chelsea loanees. Two players have stood out and have been highly impressive, the second one of these is Patrick Bamford. Chelsea signed Bamford from Nottingham Forest for £1.5million on a five-year contract in January 2012 and he was placed in the Chelsea reserves for the remainder of the season.
Bamford spent the following season on loan at MK Dons in League One where he impressed manager Karl Robinson, scoring 4 goals in 12 appearances. The loan was extended for another 6 months, where Bamford flourished scoring 14 goals in just 22 appearances. This led to Chelsea believing he was capable to make a step up in divisions. Derby County secured his services on loan for the remainder of the season. This decision paid off as Bamford helped Derby push for promotion in the Championship with 8 goals from 23 appearances, however they narrowly missed out, finishing 3rd and losing in the play-offs to Queens Park Rangers.
Bamford has spent the current season on loan at Middlesbrough under the guidance of Aitor Karanka who is close friends with Jose Mourinho. Operating in various different positions, Bamford has impressed once again, with 11 goals from 29 appearances. He has played as a striker and also all three attacking midfield roles, yet surprisingly his most effective position has proved to be as a central attacking midfielder where he has scored 3 goals In 4 appearances in that position.
Bamford has shone in the domestic cups, scoring against Liverpool which took the game to penalties where they lost 14-13, however his goal against Man City helped Middlesbrough to a 2-0 win at The Etihad. Bamford’s finishing and pace are two of his strongest attributes which he excels at, yet his defensive contribution and hold up play have been questioned on various occasions. Mourinho will be hoping he improves in these area’s before returning as Chelsea usually play with one upfront, he will need to be able to lead the line effectively.
Bamford is always monitored closely by the Chelsea staff as he was considered for the third striker role in the Chelsea first team squad, yet Mourinho’s affection for Didier Drogba decided his fate. With Drogba ageing, Bamford has a chance of returning to Chelsea at the end of this season as he’s highly rated and his home grown status would be beneficial also. At only 21 years old, time is on his side and his decision to turn down a Scholarship at Harvard University to chase his footballing dream is one that is proving to be the right one.
As Middlesbrough are joint top of the Championship with 3 other teams, Bamford could end up spending next season on loan at The Riverside again if they get promoted. Otherwise, Mourinho will have to decide whether to bring him back and promote him to the first team squad at Chelsea, or whether to loan him out again. With Bamford still quite raw, I think the chances of another loan spell are more likely than returning to Stamford Bridge.
