Leeds United winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya was left out completely by Daniel Farke as the Whites earned victory over Spurs.
Daniel Farke knew that a return to winning ways was needed sooner rather than later, with Spurs at home on Saturday afternoon.
In particular, there needed to be an improvement in the final third that was lacking creativity of late. Criticism even more prominent amid the ongoing non-use of Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya completely absent vs Spurs as Daniel Farke’s Leeds United subs make difference
When the starting XI was announced, there was relief to see Noah Okafor fit enough for the bench. However, the Swiss winger came into the squad and replaced Bahoya.
The Frenchman, therefore, was completely left out of the squad.
It mattered not to the result, though. Leeds were the better side against Spurs and deserved our eventual win, with Farke’s substitutions paying dividends in the second half.
Melvin Bard came on for the injured Gabriel Gudmundsson, before Okafor and Harry Wilson combined for the former to win the game.
However, we’re now nearly three days gone from the game without much insight into why Bahoya was left out. It does seem like a tactical decision after Farke’s outspoken monologue on the winger at the end of October. In Farke’s view, he’s not ready to make regular appearances, whether frustrated fans agree or disagree.
£25.7million Jean-Matteo Bahoya transfer going badly wrong at Leeds United right now
It was made abundantly clear last season that Farke is pursuing the end objective of the season and won’t get bogged down too much with developing fringe players. The ends justify the means, though, with Leeds staying up last season and now looking much more comfortable in the Premier League.
The issue that we’ve got is that mid-table Premier League clubs need to develop younger players to have a steady revenue stream through player sales. See Brighton, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Bournemouth, and others who have sustained their position by buying low and selling high.
Leeds can purchase Bahoya for £25.7million. And managing director Robbie Evans made it fairly clear that the club wants Farke to nurture the winger’s talent to the point where he’s worth the money.
Of course, Farke shouldn’t sacrifice results for the sake of satisfying one player’s development. But it’s pretty worrying that we’re at the November international break, and Bahoya has played just 11 minutes.
That’s especially true when you consider who’s in front of him in the pecking order: Dan James and Brenden Aaronson. The £50million duo were unused subs against Spurs and haven’t really offered anything in the league this season. They’re not justifying their place in the pecking order above Bahoya.
Why Daniel Farke could be overlooking Jean-Matteo Bahoya at Leeds United
What could explain Farke’s decision to snub Bahoya is the trigger of his buy obligation.
Reports recently claimed Leeds will trigger Bahoya’s permanent move upon making 10 appearances. He’s already at three, and Farke may not want to commit to another seven until he’s convinced.
Leeds clearly aren’t in a position to saddle ourselves with unnecessary spending. So, there’s not much margin for error in integrating Bahoya to avoid being committed to his transfer for £25.7million.
He’s obviously a very talented winger. Farke himself has said that during his multiple answers about him, but also wants to play a patient game with the 21-year-old.
If he plays constantly and it turns out to be a misguided signing, we’re forced to buy him.
