Leeds United didn’t get much from their 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday, but Daniel Farke learned who one of his most important players is.
It was a dreadful return to Premier League competition for Leeds United, who were well and deservedly beaten by Burnley at Turf Moor.
It had been a good start to the season for Daniel Farke, but the outlook is no longer too promising after a dreadful loss to a fellow newly promoted side and direct relegation rival.
Farke did defend Leeds’ performance, pointing to the ‘statistics’, but it doesn’t matter how much possession you have if you can’t do anything with it.
The Whites lacked any cutting edge or verve in attacking areas and wasted the few chances they did create, with Brenden Aaronson the main culprit.
Farke must drop at least three Leeds players for the absolutely massive game with West Ham on Friday, but it’s now clear that Noah Okafor is an undroppable given how the side struggled in attack without him.
Noah Okafor celebrates his goal dring Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Noah Okafor has become one of Leeds United’s most important players
Leeds have been hamstrung with injuries in recent weeks and were without two of their best wingers for Burnley in Okafor and Willy Gnonto, while Dan James only just returned in the game off the bench.
Any side would struggle without their three best forwards and the news that Okafor would miss the game came as a massive blow.
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Jack Harrison actually did an admirable job in replacing him and created the best chance of the game, which Aaronson should have buried.
But Leeds lacked creativity, flair, a driving force up the field, spark, imagination, just any sort of proper ‘oomph’, without Okafor.
After a slow start, the Swiss winger has really started to show how dangerous he can be with his willingness and capability to beat defenders in one-on-ones.
He only has two goals, but Okafor is the club’s top scorer, too.
That probably says more about the rest of the team, but it also displays how important Okafor has become. Leeds need him back as soon as possible.
Will Noah Okafor be fit to play West Ham United?
Thankfully, Okafor’s injury was only a knock and he was scheduled to be out for a week to 10 days.
If he’s only out for the lowest end of that scale, then the 25-year-old should be able to return for Friday’s visit of West Ham to Elland Road.
Speaking after the Burnley loss, Farke gave an update on Okafor’s condition. The manager said: “Yes, [he has an] adductor strain, and he will miss a few more days of training. We will see.”
Leeds will be keeping everything crossed that Okafor is fit for the game, as the defeat to Burnley has made it even more important.
West Ham are in serious trouble in the early stage of the season and are with Leeds in the relegation battle. The Whites can’t afford another loss to a team below them in the table.