Swiss winger Noah Okafor is one of the few members of the stuttering Leeds United attack to have threatened so far this season, having already scored two Premier League goals.
Noah Okafor missed Leeds’ defeat against Burnley, and the Whites suffered in his absence, falling to a second consecutive Premier League defeat.
However, the tricky winger handed a boost to Leeds boss Daniel Farke by returning to the starting line-up against West Ham. He wasted no time in making his mark, registering an early assist for Brenden Aaronson’s opening goal.
Stuart Dallas knows exactly what it takes to succeed with Leeds, having forged a reputation as a fan favourite during his career at the club.
Now, Dallas has told Okafor where he needs to improve his game following his return to Farke’s starting line-up.
Noah Okafor and Brenden Aaronson celebrate during Leeds United v West Ham United - Premier League
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Stuart Dallas shares his advice with Noah Okafor
Speaking on the Sky Sports coverage of the game ahead of kick-off, Dallas explained the area of Okafor’s game that he believes can still be improved.
According to Dallas, Okafor needs to use the ball better when he has his back to goal, bringing his team-mates into the game more.
Dallas said: “Listen, I like him. I think he’s got a lot about him. He’s quick, he’s direct. Can he be better in different situations? With his back to goal, I think he needs to be a lot better as well.
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“But, obviously, Daniel trusts him a lot. Leeds lack a little bit of creativity, so they’ve brought him back in after injury. I personally would have thought he’d have gone with Dan James tonight, but Noah’s obviously fit enough to start, so he’s got a goal threat in him.
“And he’s starting to build a relationship in the games that he has played with [Gabriel] Gudmundsson on that left-hand side. You can see the relationship between the two of them. So I would say that’s been a big factor in why Daniel has gone with Noah tonight.”
Stuart Dallas saluted the fans at Leeds United v Blackburn Rovers - Sky Bet Championship
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Leeds United felt the absence of Noah Okafor in the second half
Okafor hit the ground running on his return to the Leeds side and looked lively in the first half before being withdrawn at half-time, with his partner in crime, Gabriel Gudmundsson, also limping off.
Farke admitted both men were carrying knocks when they were withdrawn, and the impact of their substitution was clear in the second half.
Dallas stated that Farke will be disappointed by the way his side conceded a late goal, and the withdrawal of Okafor and Gudmundsson was an influential factor in Leeds’ lack of cutting edge in the second half.
With a difficult trip to Brighton on the horizon, the Leeds boss will be hoping that his influential left-sided players are available to make the journey.