Daniel Farke was full of praise for one Leeds United player despite his side’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Leeds United’s final match before the October international break ended in disappointment on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Leeds will feel they should have got more from the game after another combative and competitive performance, but they once again were left, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin lamented, regretting their missed chances.
Mathys Tel put the visitors ahead against the run of play, but Leeds have made a habit of coming from behind and did so when Noah Okafor turned in a rebound.
Daniel Farke’s side had the momentum and plenty of chances to take the lead, but failed to capitalise on them before Mohammed Kudus pounced on a Gabriel Gudmundsson mistake to score.
There was no second comeback as Leeds slumped to a loss, but Farke moved to praise the impressive Okafor for his display after the match.
Daniel Farke sings praises of Noah Okafor
Speaking after the game, Farke moved to praise Okafor’s ‘positive’ display against a top Premier League side.
He told TNT Sports: “He was one of the many positives.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“I was pleased that against such a good side like Tottenham, we were able to be the better side.
“Many, many positives, and Noah was one of them.”
Sadly, Okafor had to be taken off towards the end of the game, with Leeds really missing the winger in the closing stages.
Farke explained his subs by saying in his post-match press conference: “Was tricky, just had one winger.
“Noah Okafor was not able to play the full 90 minutes. Changed to a 3-5-2 to [try something different] and get more crosses in.”
Unfortunately, it didn’t work.
Noah Okafor is already looking like a bargain for Leeds United
Leeds paid an initial £13m to sign Okafor from AC Milan, which could rise to £18m, making him one of their 10 summer signings ahead of returning to the Premier League.
Though Leeds spent north of £100m in the summer, Okafor was the only new forward they spent money on, with Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha arriving on free transfers.
That’s put a lot of pressure on Okafor to perform, to be a creative spark and provide quality in the final third that can hopefully see them survive in the top flight.
Pressure that’s even more intense with Dan James and Willy Gnonto sidelined.
Okafor is certainly starting off on the right foot. He got off the mark against Spurs but has been repeatedly impressive with his poise on the ball.
The Swiss is confident in possession, always willing to take on full-backs and capable enough to beat them and carry Leeds up the field. He’s not afraid to muck in with defensive work, too.
Even if his fee does reach the full £18m, it looks like Leeds might have got a bargain.