Isaac Schmidt would be forgiven for thinking that his Leeds United career might be over as soon as it has started given his lack of game time since joining the club on deadline day last summer.
The left-footed full-back, who often played at right-back for previous club St. Gallen and has played on the right for Leeds, has failed to start a single league game for The Whites since Schmidt joined for £4.6m.
He has come off the bench on seven occasions for Leeds, while also starting twice in The FA Cup. Indeed, he was arguably Leeds’ best player during the 2-0 defeat to Millwall at Elland Road back in January.
Signing a few hours after Ao Tanaka, the game time compared between the two could not be different. So, Schmidt’s Switzerland call-up came as a shock with Murat Yakin choosing to include some wildcards.
Isaac Schmidt says he has been given assurances by Leeds United
Most players in the situation Schmidt finds himself in would be counting down the days until the summer so he can go. He’s had injuries, but Daniel Farke has even questioned Schmidt’s application in training.
In an interview with Swiss outlet Blick, the full-back says that Leeds have assured him that they see him as a part of their future. Unfortunately for Schmidt, there just haven’t been any opportunities this season.
“The club showed me clear prospects and made it clear to me that they see the potential in me to become a regular starter,” Schmidt said, making it clear that he has been in contact with the club.
“England is a different world than Switzerland,” Schmidt added, to Blick. “I only moved shortly before the transfer deadline. It takes time to establish yourself at a club like that. I’m waiting for my chance.”
Why there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Isaac Schmidt
At the moment, Sam Byram is first reserve for Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo at full-back. Farke has made it clear that he prefers Byram because of his incredible record when he does play, rarely losing.
But Byram and Firpo are both out of contract at the end of the season. The latter seems more and more likely to be leaving Elland Road, given he struggled in the Premier League at Leeds and is on big wages.
There is a chance that Byram will sign a new deal. A homegrown player, happy to warm the bench and just provide cover. But Firpo is a possibility to depart and it might just give Schmidt the chance to shine.
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