Daniel Farke’s selection gamble paid off in Leeds United’s win over Everton, as Jayden Bogle played an important role in their victory.
Jayden Bogle was a major doubt for Leeds’ opening game of the season after the full-back missed Leeds’ final pre-season friendly against AC Milan with a hip injury.
Bogle was absent from training in the build-up to Leeds’ season opener, amid speculation that transfer-linked defender Isaac Schmidt would start in the game.
However, Bogle was able to play a full part in Leeds’ win, forming an impressive partnership with fellow full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson as the two constantly threatened Everton’s defence, particularly in the first half.
Although Daniel Farke will be pleased that Bogle came through the game unscathed, Leeds’ performance against Everton highlighted why they cannot delay their hunt for another full-back any longer, with the new season in flight.
Jayden Bogle playing for Leeds United v Coventry.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Jayden Bogle is crucial to Leeds United’s style of play
Considering that Bogle was a major doubt coming into the game, his physical output during Leeds’ win over Everton was impressive.
According to the data from Fotmob, Bogle covered the third-largest distance of any Leeds player at 10.6 km. This included the second-most sprints for the Whites with 14, two behind his partner on the right wing, Dan James.
Bogle also frequently contributed on the ball, with 46 touches in total and 17 passes, of which two were into the final third.
Jayden Bogle vs Everton Total
Minutes Played 90
Touches 46
Distance Covered 10.6 km
Sprints Completed 14
Clearances 3
Recoveries 2
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However, what is not shown in Bogle’s attacking stats is the intangible impact that his forward runs have on the Everton defence.
Moyes threw James Garner into the unfamiliar role of left-back and, although he acquitted himself well, the threat of Bogle’s runs from deep meant he could not fully commit in attack for Everton as they struggled to break Leeds down.
With only Sam Byram on the bench, Leeds were vulnerable if Bogle had been unable to make it through the game. Although he came through unscathed, it is a risk that Farke will not want to repeat too often.
James Justin pumps his fists in celebration at the Emirates Stadium.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Slow-moving James Justin deal is causing issues for Leeds United
Leeds looked to be closing in on securing their new full-back in the build-up to the Everton game, as the club progressed with a deal to sign James Justin.
However, an injury to Justin while on duty with Leicester threw an unwanted spanner into the works for Leeds, as Farke looks to put the finishing touches on his squad.
With Isaac Schmidt’s move to Werder Bremen seemingly contingent on Leeds signing a new full-back, the delay to Justin’s move now poses risks on multiple fronts for Leeds.
German publication Bild reported that Bremen want the deal for Schmidt completed in the early part of this week, which could pose an issue for Farke.
While it is sensible to wait to learn the severity of Justin’s injury, Leeds need to tie up this persistent loose end. With little cover at full-back, Farke’s side are vulnerable to an injury to Bogle or Gudmundsson.