Leeds gem outperforming Bukayo Saka in crucial matric, latest injury update will be a concern
Leeds United are finding their feet in the Premier League more and more after each game.
Leeds secured a 2-1 victory at home to West Ham last time out, taking them up to 11 points for the campaign after nine games.
Historically, no Premier League side has ever been relegated with that tally by gameweek 10, though the Whites will not be allowing any complacency to creep into their game.
While praise has been regular for some of their better-performing players, one is slightly going under the radar, and his stats so far this season show how crucial he will be.
Noah Okafor has taken to the Premier League very well
Noah Okafor has been immense for Leeds this season, and while he may only have two goals to his name, his stats are impressive.
The Swiss forward has been a threat in nearly every game he has featured in, with goals against Tottenham and Wolves so far.
His display against Wolves was particularly impressive, with six completed dribbles and eight duels won, according to FotMob.
Now, it has been revealed that Okafor actually averages more successful dribbles per 90 than Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, wingers in the league.
Saka records 2.9 per 90, while Okafor clocks in at 3.1, with only five players averaging more than him so far this season.
However, the biggest downfall with Okafor has been his fitness, and after the win against West Ham, another concern emerged.
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What did Daniel Farke say about Noah Okafor’s injury?
Not for the first time this season, Okafor, alongside Gabriel Gudmundsson, was withdrawn from the clash at Elland Road early at the weekend, sparking immediate concern.
Many thought it would have been a pre-planned substitute, given the 13 minutes of additional time, but this was not the case, as revealed by Farke in his press conference after the game.
As quoted by Leeds Live, he said: “Not pre-planned, but let’s see how he goes. Was a really difficult week. Pretty happy.”
Leeds have already been urged to be careful with Okafor after a series of minor setbacks, and the latest on Sunday may be another case of that.
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