“Don’t call it a comeback; I been here for years.”

I can’t imagine it’s ever been particularly apt to draw a comparison between LL Cool J and Patrick Bamford, but given that P Bibby forced our hand on Eminem jokes with his Stan-era hairstyle earlier this season, I think it can be allowed.

More to the point, it’s entirely relevant: Bamford has “been here for years” — almost six — and is in the midst of what could be called a “comeback”, given the stark contrast between his current form and the unenviable position he found himself in since signing a new deal back in 2021. Only a few days after penning five more years, Bamford was called up for his only England appearance to this day. Back then, given his excellent form the previous season, it seemed hard to imagine that more national opportunities wouldn’t be following.

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