Why Noah Okafor was subbed off by Daniel Farke as Leeds lost vs Fulham
Leeds United looked on course to be picking up their first points on the road this season, but instead, they head back to West Yorkshire empty-handed.
It was clear that Daniel Farke recognised the need to shake up his forward line for the game against Fulham after their recent timid performances.
A first Premier League start was handed to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the striker ultimately failed to impress.
Noah Okafor was also given the nod to start out wide on the left-hand side, with the winger being subbed off after 68 minutes.
Beren Cross reveals the reason behind Noah Okafor substitution
Both Okafor and Calvert-Lewin are the 49ers’ marquee additions to United’s forward line, and whilst they are not terrible signings in isolation, there are doubts as to whether they raise the ceiling enough by themselves to drag Leeds over the line in games this season.
After showing signs of promise, every single Leeds supporter universally rolled their eyes when they saw the Swiss winger was being replaced by Jack Harrison.
Adam Pope raised potential fitness concerns surrounding Okafor prior to the clash with Fulham, with Cross revealing that this was partly the reason behind his substitution.
Reports from Cross in The Athletic on 13 September claim that fatigue was a factor as to why Farke hooked him in favour of Harrison.
- This is understandable, considering Okafor only played a total of 469 minutes last season in Serie A
- Despite not being fully match fit, the former AC Milan and Napoli man was one of Leeds’ biggest threats during the game
- Cross highlighted Okafor’s seven recoveries, showing his ability to collect the ball and be an outlet for United
You would assume there is more to come from Okafor as he continues to build up his match fitness and adapt to the Premier League, but Farke and Co. need this to be sooner rather than later.
Daniel Farke’s substitution of Noah Okafor was more than questionable
Taking Okafor off was more than justifiable, especially after his lack of first-team football over the past season.
However, the decision to bring on Harrison ahead of Willy Gnonto showcases Farke’s floors as a manager.
Subbing on Harrison is Farke’s way of saying that he is settling for a point as opposed to pushing for all three because of the defensive solidity Harrison gives him, which is an already largely exaggerated trait of his.
Away wins for Leeds this season in the Premier League will be like gold dust, and the Whites had an opportunity to go and grab one against Fulham.
Gnonto is far more likely to give you the cutting edge to go and win the game than Harrison, so whilst Farke has been given the wrong tools for the job in the attacking department by the 49ers, the way he uses the tools he already has at his disposal leaves a lot to be desired.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Leeds United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews