The Whites have had a tough start to their season and are currently 17th in the Premier League, managing just one win in nine outings all while scoring just eight goals, tied third lowest in the top flight.
Leeds have struggled to progress in cup competitions since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Elland Road and they once again suffered an early exit as Arsenal knocked them out with a 2-0 win in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
The Yorkshire giants had another underwhelming performance in the final third on Tuesday and former Leeds star Derry attributes a lot of their struggles to the absence of first choice hitman Bamford.
Derry explained that Bamford is the type of player that creates a plan B for Leeds when he is playing with the physicality and intelligence he adds to their game, but stressed they have no alternative plans to go to when plan A fails while he is sidelined.
Asked whether Leeds’ struggles in the final third are down to them missing Bamford, Derry said on BBC Radio Leeds post match: “I think Bamford is a crucial player for this team.
“I think he represents the manager on the pitch.
“He is an intelligent player, intelligent person and I think he has got that physicality as well.
“So, he actually creates a plan B for Leeds United as well.
“Tonight the plan A did not work, but they did not have a plan B because they have got that type of plan B player.”
Bamford is still some way away from getting back to the pitch and Leeds fans will be hoping the likes of Rodrigo will be able to find his rhythm in front of the goal.
