Leeds United’s 0-0 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light yesterday is the sort of game that most forget as soon as the full-time whistle blows.
In the end, considering the conditions the players had to endure as well as the fact we were on the road, a point is a decent result.
However, it’s not the result I really have an issue with. I am beginning to get concerned that in three of our last four games, we have looked rather toothless going forward.
And as one attacker remained rooted to the bench yesterday, he will surely be considering his future at Elland Road.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya remained an unused substitute against Sunderland
With Noah Okafor struggling with an injury prior to the Sunderland game, it looked perfectly set up for Jean-Matteo Bahoya to be given a decent chunk of game time at the Stadium of Light.
Up to this point, the Frenchman has played just 11 Premier League minutes across his two substitute appearances for United. (Sofascore)
I think we all knew after Bahoya arrived on deadline day on an initial loan, but with an obligation to buy for £25.7million should he make a certain number of appearances, that he wouldn’t be the first name on the teamsheet.
However, by the end of October, I expected him to have played far more often than he actually has done.
So whilst Bahoya was on the bench, he was forced to watch Brenden Aaronson. The American, who isn’t even naturally a left winger, was starting ahead of him.
Then, when Farke did eventually make a change in the 65th minute, Okafor was brought on ahead of Bahoya. This is despite the Swiss winger being labelled a major doubt just a couple of days prior.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya couldn’t be any further down the pecking order at Leeds
If Bahoya cannot even get onto the pitch in a game like this, especially with Okafor not even being fully fit, it makes you wonder what it will actually take for us to see the Frenchman in action for longer than just a handful of minutes.
I get that Bahoya is only 21. He’s likely not ready to start week in, week out in the Premier League.
But if he’s not even trusted to contribute, why even go to all that bother to bring him in?
I’ve seen some supporters argue that we’re not on the training pitch like Farke. The German sees and evaluates these players on a daily basis.
I completley get that. But I just refuse to believe that Bahoya would not have more impact on the left wing than Aaronson.
The fact that the American gets so many more opportunities on the left than Bahoya is just inexcusable. Fair enough if Farke wanted to set up more defensively away from home. However, when it became apparent that the game was there for the taking, Bahoya should’ve been thrown on early in the second half.
For now, the youngster has to continue to be patient. But we’ve played ten games in all competitions. If you’ve blinked, you’ve missed Bahoya’s appearances so far in a Leeds shirt.
Well putting aside the fact that we have no idea if he was fully fit and the weather made Sunday’s game a complete lottery I am pretty sure this wasn’t Farke’s choice. He clearly wants Igor Paixico and still thinks we can get him. If he comes in during the January window which is unlikely Leeds will pull out of this deal.