Leeds United winger Noah Okafor is striving to prove a point at Elland Road, and has already shown his importance to Daniel Farke’s attack.
August was an underwhelming period for Leeds in the transfer window, missing out on priority attacking targets and falling back onto alternatives.
Landing on Noah Okafor, Leeds have plucked a very important signing out of AC Milan and one that will be integral towards survival this season.
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Noah Okafor yet to be called into Switzerland’s squad amidst latest international snub
If we’re talking from a selfish Leeds fan perspective, it’s good news that Okafor won’t be heading out for international duty this month. An injury prone winger, the last thing United need is him suffering a setback away from West Yorkshire.
His prospects of playing regularly for Switzerland during his peak years have been dealt a blow due to his relationship with manager Murat Yakin.
Noah Okafor is striving to prove Switzerland manager Murat Yakin wrong with his Leeds United performances. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs)
Speaking earlier in the season to The Athletic, Okafor said this about Yakin:
“It hurts to hear and read I supposedly didn’t have a good attitude,” Okafor said. “They’re denying me my character and suggesting I didn’t give my all to play. Now it’s a little bit of a problem with the coach.
“I don’t want to speak so much about that. For me, it doesn’t matter, I know my qualities. I know where I want to go and I know what I’m here for, so I’m ready.”
Murat Yakin confirms he acknowledges Noah Okafor’s Leeds United form
Despite not being in the November international squad, as Isaac Schmidt gets selected, Okafor will be hoping he eventually works his way back in for the 2026 World Cup.
Murat Yakin’s Switzerland look to be cruising to 2026 World Cup qualification without Noah Okafor. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)
For now, Yakin has justified his decision to snub the Leeds man once more. Switzerland are top of their group with three wins and a draw from four games, scoring nine and yet to concede. Three points from their last two games against Sweden and Kosovo is enough to guarantee their place in the World Cup, given their vastly superior goal difference.
Yakin, though, has noted that he’s well aware of Okafor impressing in the Premier League. It could lead to him making a decision in due course.
“I’ve spoken with Okafor repeatedly, telling him what I expect from him on and off the pitch. I hope my words eventually get through to him,” he told Swiss outlet Watson.
“We’ll continue to monitor him. Attacking players are also measured by their goalscoring. Those who are currently in the squad have an advantage over Okafor in that regard.”
Noah Okafor brings so much more than just goals to Leeds United – and should be proving that to Murat Yakin
If Yakin is watching Okafor’s goal return, then he’s not analysing his performances in at all a fair manner.
He’s bringing so much more to United’s setup in the final third. And, every time he gets on the ball, he looks to make things happen.
His dribbling from the left, confidence to get his man 1v1, and his overall end product have been impressive so far at Leeds.
Okafor has several months until the World Cup to force his way back into the reckoning. At Leeds, he’s started as he means to go on.
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