Michael Skubala’s comments have just explained why £1.75m Leeds player is not being picked by Daniel Farke

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Leo Hjelde started the season as Leeds United’s first-choice left-back. Daniel Farke started him on the left against Cardiff – now, Michael Skubala made it clear why Hjelde is no longer in his plans.

Hjelde, 20, was hooked at half time against Cardiff and it was the last minutes he played in the League. He has been relegated to the U21 side, playing 90 minutes in Sunday’s PL2 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

Skubala used a four-man defence on Sunday, perhaps mirroring the 4-2-3-1 system Farke continues to place his faith in, at first-team level. Possibly, requested to do so by the German boss at Elland Road.

But speaking after the match, Skubala made it clear that he believes Hjelde’s best position is on the left side of a back three. A formation Farke has not started with once, and only turns to in desperate need.

“For me, I think his best position is the left of a three if you play a back three.” Skubala was quoted as saying by Leeds Live after the 2-2 draw. “He’s so versatile, such a good technician and he’s so calm.”

Michael Skubala makes it clear why Leo Hjelde not in Leeds plans

Since that game against Cardiff, Hjelde has only managed to get himself on the bench in three of our next 13 League games. Completely omitted from the matchday squad on 10 occasions by boss Farke.

That game against Cardiff saw Farke lost trust in the ex-Celtic man. It could have been very different, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting he came close to joining Salernitana – with Hjelde rated at £1.75m.

But the fact Skubala thinks his best position is a role that is not included in Farke’s system, is proof that he is not in the manager’s first-team plans. Come January, Hjelde may have to consider a Leeds exit.