When Leeds United brought in 10 new players in the summer transfer window, fans were sceptical about the results that would bring on the pitch. Everyone across the club knew that they needed quality to even survive in the Premier League.
And the recruitment team tried to get that; signing most of the players from teams in top leagues around Europe. While most newly-promoted clubs focus on buying in the Championship, and taking what they can get in the Premier League, Leeds spread their net wider. That was able to land them key names like Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille, Lucas Perri from Lyon and Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.
With the first half of the season gone, most Leeds fans can give their true analysis on how most of these signings have fared. Aside a few players who have had their campaign marred with injury, most of the arrivals have had some time on the pitch.
Daniel Farke defends Noah Okafor this season
When it comes to the attack, Leeds fans had a lot of questions when the transfer window ended and only three attacking players had joined the team: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor. While the two forwards have had good seasons, the winger has been inconsistent which has drawn a lot of concerns from the fanbase.
Daniel Farke has come out in defence of his star signing in Thursday’s press conference:
”Started with goals and assists. Has a special ability that not many players have, something that is his big skill to drive the ball forward, beat players, and also be physically strong.
”Also, challenges, with his back to the goal, he could be a bit more tidy; the workload against the ball has been much better.
”Up to him to deliver more end product; we have competition in the squad. Definitely space for improvement; everyone has to deliver.
”Noah gets lots of backing and trust.”
Winger has had a tough time this season
Farke is right about the winger; he had a promising start to the season, but has found it difficult to recapture that form. And he has the ability to take on players, something the Leeds squad lacks. But overall, his problem is consistency – making these things happen week to week. The Switzerland international has shown enough to the fans not to give up on him, but from now till the end of the season, he needs to prove something.
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