Jean-Matteo Bahoya, what to expect at Leeds United and why patience is vital | OneFootball

Leeds have a precocious but raw winger in Jean-Matteo Bahoya, whose Premier League debut was a stoppage-time cameo. Daniel Farke has made clear he will introduce him only when conditions suit.

He waited through three matches and almost debuted at Stamford Bridge before a late change pushed him back to the bench. In the 0-0 with Crystal Palace he had barely 90 seconds but completed a dribble and won two duels, including a free kick.

Since early April he has logged only 81 club minutes after a hamstring issue at Eintracht Frankfurt. Last season brought 27 Bundesliga games, 15 starts and three goals, two on the opening day.

Leeds consider him a longer-term bet, with a £21.4m clause that could become obligatory, and Farke is coaching him accordingly. Optimism around his character is balanced by a need to temper expectations.

A natural left winger, he has not operated as a wing-back and is seen as Noah Okafor’s understudy in the left-wide 10. Competition from Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson and Lukas Nmecha means he is a rotation option.

Cross accuracy of 21.2% and nine of 29 shots on target, 31%, reflect risk-taking from limited minutes. The flip side shows 59.4% dribbles completed, a 54.4% duel win rate and 31 tackles, plus an all-time 23mph Bundesliga sprint.

Farke will not rush him and there is no need to panic if he starts slowly. If the clause is triggered the pressure shifts, but for now it is about bedding in and patience.

Source: Leeds Live

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