Daniel Farke has a decision to make over whether to hand star signing Noah Okafor his first Premier League start for Leeds United when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Noah Okafor joined Leeds in a big-money move from AC Milan in the summer transfer window, as the Whites looked to strengthen their lightweight forward line. However, Leeds missed out on a deadline day deal for Harry Wilson, ramping up the pressure on the former Milan star.
Okafor’s only start for Leeds to date came in the disappointing cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, with Farke sticking with Dan James and Willy Gnonto for the home draw against Newcastle.
Leeds drew another blank in that game and, heading into the critical trip to face Fulham, the stats show that Daniel Farke has to unleash Okafor from the start at Craven Cottage, as Leeds look to return from the international break with a win.
Stats show Leeds United must unleash Noah Okafor
Leeds are yet to find the net from open play in the 2025/26 Premier League season, and the data from FotMob highlights exactly where Okafor can help Leeds improve.
Although Leeds have managed four points from two clean sheets at home, Farke will be concerned with his side’s attacking struggles so far.
Leeds currently rank in the bottom five in open play across every statistical category in attack on the website, reflecting their ongoing problems. With an average of just 1.7 shots on target per match, Leeds rank 20th in the Premier League by that metric.
| Metric | Total | PL Rank |
| Shots on Target per match | 1.7 | 20th |
| Big Chances | 4 | 18th |
| Accurate Long Balls per match | 18 | 18th |
| Touches in opposition box | 53 | 18th |
| Total xG | 3 | 17th |
| Accurate Passes per match | 316 | 15th |
| Accurate Crosses per match | 4 | 14th |
| Total Corners | 14 | 9 |
The Whites have managed an average expected goals (xG) of just 3, ranking them in 17th place overall. Farke’s side also ranks 18th for the number of big chances created, with just four. They are also 18th for the most touches in the opposition box, with 53.
Leeds are marginally better when it comes to accurate passes per match, ranking 15th with 316.0. Leeds also rank 14th for the most accurate crosses per match, with four.
Where Leeds can take hope is in the number of corners won. With a total of 14 in three games, Leeds sit ninth in the top flight. If Okafor can help improve the delivery from wide areas, Leeds could still be a threat away from home.
Switzerland international needs regular first-team football
Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Okafor made the case for a regular starting place in the Leeds side.
According to the Swiss international, being limited to infrequent appearances from the substitutes’ bench for Milan affected his rhythm and put more strain on his body.
“This is hard when you play two, three, or four games as a substitute (for) 10, 20, 30 minutes,” Okafor said. “For players, it’s hard to get in shape and really get the confidence.
“That’s why I did also this decision (to come to Leeds), because I know what my quality is, I know I have to improve, and that’s why I work every day hard. It’s the most important thing to come every day with a smile and give the best on the pitch.
“You are not used to the rhythm, then when you go to a game, of course, football is hard. Sometimes, it’s normal, you have a little pain or something, but that’s why I said I work really hard.”
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