The jury was out when the transfer window closed for Leeds United in the summer. Many expected some experienced attacking signings to lead the line for the club, but the Whites brought in just three players.
Noah Okafor arrived from AC Milan and Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined on free transfers. After scoring in their opener against Everton, the club went without a goal in their next four games. Many fans pointed to the lack of attacking options in the team. But when Daniel Farke made some big changes against Fulham, things started to click.
Okafor and Calvert-Lewin came into the lineup, and Leeds’ fortunes changed. From the Wolves game, the goals started flowing – the Whites scored six goals in their three games before this international break.
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Switzerland boss makes stance on Noah Okafor
Noah Okafor Credit: Imago
The October break is the penultimate break for most national teams; some of them having the chance to seal World Cup qualification. So players called up between now and next month have a real chance of playing next summer. Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Karl Darlow were among the players selected this week. But a shocking omission was Noah Okafor.
The Swiss winger was in-form but missed out on the squad. Reports of his ”attitude” from the 2024 Euros emerged, pointing to his lack of playing time with the national team. But after Switzerland’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, national team boss Murat Yakin revealed that Okafor could return to the fold soon:
“He’s in the flow. We will certainly keep an eye on him.”
Leeds United star is performing above expectations
He had a slow start to the season, but the winger is now operating in full flow. Okafor has been the direct wing threat the team have been missing for a large part of this season. And he has found his goalscoring touch so far – scoring twice in the last three games.
Noah Okafor radar Credit: DataMB
The 25-year old ranks near the top of the Premier League in successful dribbles and non-penalty goals. He has been given the freedom of the left hand side with Gabriel Gudmundsson offering more of a defensive option at fullback. If he continues his form at club level, he will be back in the Switzerland fold in no time.
