Darko Gyabi was handed just his third competitive start for Leeds United on Wednesday night.
Gyabi was one of a number of youngsters to be handed an opportunity to impress as Daniel Farke’s squad already looks to have an extremely threadbare look to it.
This season was seen as the one where Gyabi could really begin to stamp his authority on the first team at Elland Road following the club’s relegation and mass midfield exodus.
He arrived from Manchester City for around £5 million 12 months ago with plenty of excitement around him, which was only heightened after his season in the U21s.
Farke handed him the opportunity to stake a claim for a place in his league side against Shrewsbury Town, but unfortunately he was unable to take it.
Gyabi left ruing missed opportunity after his display vs Shrewsbury
Gyabi was tasked with playing the Ethan Ampadu role but could not offer Leeds anywhere near the same level of control as the Welshman.
On a number of occasions when receiving possession from Karl Darlow, Gyabi looked extremely uncomfortable and lost the ball in dangerous areas.
Amid the crowd’s frustrations, he also grew visibly annoyed at himself as he struggled to stamp his authority on the match, and as such, was hooked at half-time.
After his withdrawal, Leeds looked far more assured in the second half with Ampadu back in midfield, and Gyabi can only have been watching on from the bench ruing his missed opportunity.
With Leeds in the market for another couple of midfielders, Gyabi may left be wondering when his next chance will come, but on last night’s evidence, he isn’t ready yet.
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