Daniel Farke told his press conference on Saturday afternoon – as per Leeds Live – that Sam Byram is “quite important” to this Leeds United side, after the two had a “really honest” chat behind the scenes.
Byram, 30, completed his fourth consecutive 90 minutes on Saturday. A third 90 minutes in the space of seven days. Given his recent injury record, it is quite the achievement from the versatile Leeds defender.
Not only did he last the 90 minutes, but he produced a crucial display from left-back. With Leeds 2-1 up towards the end of the game, Byram cleared a shot off the line – well-positioned to head the ball away.
Then, a ball looped over to a Bristol City attacker who unleashed an effort at goal – only for Byram to throw himself in front of the ball, deflecting behind for a corner. Illan Meslier was delighted with him.
Phil Hay recently said that Farke sees Byram as the best left-back in the Championship and there was proof of that against Bristol City. On Saturday, the German gaffer spoke about his summer signing.
“Sometimes you have to be a bit careful. Whenever you ask a player if they’re ready to go, then normally everyone wants to play and says ‘yes, I’m top fit, boss. Let me play, everything’s okay’, Farke claimed.
“Sam is really, really honest. He knows his history. When you ask, always a really good answer. Never a guarantee, but we got a good feeling that he would be in a shape at least to go for many minutes today.
“I’m pleased that he was there each and every second on the pitch because there was this one situation when we needed his experience, quality in this position, awareness level. He’s quite important for us.”
Daniel Farke says Sam Byram is quite important to this Leeds side
Byram is very important to this Leeds side. Having played less than 100 games in seven and a half years following his Leeds exit – for West Ham, Forest and Norwich – he might have just been a squad player.
But he has returned to his boyhood club and starred during the early stages of the season. Nothing more could be asked of him. He will now have some competition, with Junior Firpo closing in on a return.
Stuart Dallas, too. But right now, Byram is first choice and as he continues to build up the minutes, you would imagine he will hold on to his place in the side week in, week out. Saturday was a huge step.
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