Despite creating a fair amount of chances, Leeds are struggling for goals this season.
Daniel Farke sees his side sitting 12th in the table in terms of xG (expected goals) with 12.94 xG – substantially more than the nine Premier League goals Leeds have actually scored in ten outings so far.
It is a situation that is surely irking everybody at Elland Road – and Murat Yakin might have just made it worse with his comments on Noah Okafor.
Noah Okafor warning could result in some selfishness at Leeds United
The Switzerland boss has now told Okafor he needs to score more goals after leaving him out of his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo.
Yakin said: “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.
“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.”
With only two goals in seven Premier League appearances so far, Okafor might now start to become more desperate to impress Yakin, which may lead to some selfishness in the final third.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Okafor already has pressure from Farke to think about, after the German expressed visible frustration over the Swiss star’s movement during the 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
Unhappiness from his managers at both club and international level is sure to get inside the 25-year-old’s head.
Unless Okafor shows a strong mentality to handle it, this new criticism from Yakin could end up hindering Leeds more than it helps them.
Noah Okafor in desperate need of a goal against Nottingham Forest as Leeds United No.19 may be lacking confidence
Okafor scored just one goal in 21 appearances last season, which came on the opening day of the Serie A campaign in a 2-2 draw against Torino.
It is encouraging that the Leeds No.19 has already doubled that figure this season, but he is hardly going to be carrying much confidence after such a tough 2024/25 campaign with AC Milan.
Okafor is now facing criticism from many angles as he tries to acclimatise to Premier League football, so a goal in Sunday’s crucial clash against Nottingham Forest would come at the perfect time.