Noah Okafor made a notable impact for Leeds in their impressive 3-1 victory against Wolves, who are still seeking their first point of the season after a series of defeats.
While Anton Stach’s free-kick was the standout moment of the game for Leeds, Okafor’s performance also caught the eye. Apart from scoring a goal in the first half, Okafor achieved something not seen in six years, with Wilfried Zaha being the last player to do so.
In the match against Wolves, Okafor attempted a remarkable 12 dribbles in the first half, a feat reminiscent of Zaha’s 13 attempts for Crystal Palace in 2019. Despite concerns over his injury, Leeds will be encouraged by Okafor’s display, as he showed confidence and threat throughout the game.
Okafor’s statistics against Wolves reflect his impact on the match:
- 14 dribbles attempted
- One goal from 0.15xG
- Eight ground duels won
Although being a winger means some dribbles resulted in lost possession, Okafor’s performance bodes well for his adaptation to the Premier League. Coach Daniel Farke will hope Okafor’s injury is minor, allowing him to continue his positive contributions in upcoming games.
As a winger, Okafor is expected to provide moments of excitement, and he did so against Wolves. While he faced criticism for some turnovers, it is important to recognize the nature of his playstyle as a direct and tricky winger. Leeds will need to support Okafor consistently to help him unlock his full potential, but early signs suggest a promising future for the talented player.
