The togetherness in this Leeds United squad will be a key factor in Daniel Farke trying to keep Leeds in the Premier League next season. But as is always the way, some players do get overlooked.
With squads required to be bigger than ever these days given the demands of 50-game seasons or more, squads have to include 25 players ready to make an impact. It means some get underused, undervalued.
Even though Farke has insisted on a small squad, there are still examples of that at Elland Road. Karl Darlow only got a run in the side when he deserved it earlier. Patrick Bamford didn’t start a league game.
For Isaac Schmidt, his first season in English football will have been tough on a personal level. The joy of being a title winner and a champion of England’s second tier helps, but Schmidt will surely be frustrated.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thursday announcement proof Schmidt undervalued by Farke
When Schmidt joined Leeds on deadline day in 2024, it came after he had scored for St. Gallen in a European clash against Trabzonspor. The hype was big around Schmidt, an exciting, attacking full-back.
Fast forward until now, Schmidt managed just 71 minutes of Championship football spread across 12 games. On Thursday, he has been called up by Switzerland – the second time in two international breaks.
Schmidt was a surprise inclusion in March but he has clearly done enough to tempt Murat Yakin into keeping him in the set-up for games against Mexico and the United States at the start of June.
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To have only been used so sparingly after his £4.6m move by Farke, Schmidt retaining his place in the Switzerland squad is a clear sign that Farke underused and undervalued the full-back last season.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
What Schmidt has said about his future at Leeds United
With Schmidt struggling to play for Leeds in the Championship, surely his game time is going to reduce even further in the Premier League. But Schmidt seems like he wants to stay at Leeds this summer.
Understandably, Schmidt told Swiss media he will consider any offers but the chance to play for Leeds in the Premier League is hard to ignore: “We’ll see. I’m open to anything. But Leeds, in the Premier League.
“It’s a unique experience. “Yes, of course. It’s [Premier League football] a dream. I didn’t have a favourite club in the Premier League. Now, it’s Leeds,” Schmidt continued, ahead of being picked for his country.