It has been a tumultuous start for Noah Okafor at Leeds United. He might be joint-first goalscorer for Leeds in the Premier League, but he’s had to contend with injuries and a National Team snub, too.
Bought for £18m from Milan, fans were sceptical from the first minute. The Switzerland star has struggled since joining Milan from Salzburg in the summer of 2023, and failed to make an impact on loan at Napoli.
Leeds had tried to sign Igor Paixao and failed at the final hurdle, opting to go in for Okafor instead. Fans were worried about his injury record and that he had failed to transfer his Salzburg form to the Serie A.
Since then, Okafor has netted goals against Wolves and Tottenham, but Jon Newsome described Okafor as a passenger with Okafor losing the ball more than he keeps it. However, one stat proves he is worth it.
Noah Okafor celebrates his Leeds goal vs Tottenham.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Noah Okafor sixth-best in the Premier League for attacking stat
While injury has hampered Okafor, with an adductor injury preventing him from featuring against Burnley and limiting him to just 45 minutes against West Ham, he has made an impact when he is on the pitch.
His power in attack and his ability to beat a man has been praised. He won a header, which was parried to Brenden Aaronson against West Ham. Okafor is making an impact even if his game has mistakes, too.
Swiss media were stunned Okafor was not called-up by his country in October, with reports emerging that a disagreement with Murat Yakin is the reason for his omission. Yakin said it was down to form.
But one key stat proves just how worthy bringing Okafor to the club was. Even, potentially a bargain. Okafor is sixth-best in the Premier League for successful dribbles per 90, ahead of Bukayo Saka and more.
Name Club Successful dribble % SD per 90
Kevin Fulham 62.5 5.7
Jeremy Doku Man City 53.7 4.2
Estevao Chelsea 44.8 3.8
Rico Henry Brentford 77.8 3.7
Mohammed Kudus Tottenham 48.5 3.7
Noah Okafor Leeds 46.2 3.1
Omar Marmoush Man City 71.4 2.9
Bukayo Saka Arsenal 59.3 2.9
Oscar Bobb Man City 60.9 2.8
Wilson Odobert Tottenham 52.6 2.8
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Why keeping Noah Okafor fit is key to Leeds’ success
It is clear that Okafor, when he plays and is fit, is one of the best dribblers in the Premier League. That is pivotal in Leeds trying to make something happen in the final third, and getting Leeds some territory.
But there is something more concerning that means keeping Okafor fit is key, and that is the drop in quality behind him. Willy Gnonto has been injured for a while and Dan James has struggled to get going.
Leeds United wingers’ FotMob rating:
Leeds wingers FotMob rating
Noah Okafor 6.94
Brenden Aaronson 6.84
Willy Gnonto 6.50
Jack Harrison 6.44
Dan James 6.37
Jack Harrison is solid, but some way off Okafor and keeping the Switzerland international free and ready to go is key. He is fighting for a place in Switzerland’s World Cup side, so he has something to play for.