Leeds United ace will be fuming if he gets zero minutes again despite major new blow.
Leeds United signed full-back Isaac Schmidt from St Gallen in the summer, but he has managed just nine minutes of league action since joining, despite suspension to Junior Firpo last week as well.
Daniel Farke was given a major helping hand by the recruitment staff during the summer in terms of addressing two positions in his squad that are going to be vital to the promotion push.
After losing Archie Gray, Luke Ayling and Cody Drameh, Leeds had a dearth of full-back options, but rectified that with Jayden Bogle and Isaac Schmidt.
Isaac Schmidt unused in Bristol City draw despite Byram’s attacking struggles
When Junior Firpo was banned for the trip to Bristol City, few were surprised when Farke’s trusted option Sam Byram got the nod at left-back over Schmidt.
Byram’s first half showing demonstrated why Farke had entrusted him on the left, winning every duel and proving to be a solid outlet in an end-to-end first 45 minutes.
The second half, however, was a different story as Leeds settled into total control of the ball and were knocking on the door for an opener that never came against opposition sitting deep and happy to let Leeds have the ball.
When Manor Solomon was introduced on the left wing to partner Byram, Leeds lost any semblance of creativity on that side of the pitch, with neither player nimble or quick enough to beat a man down the outside – easy to defend as they drifted infield or played backwards.
It prompted discussion post-match as to why Schmidt was overlooked when Leeds needed an injection of pace out wide, particularly on the left.
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Bogle out: If Schmidt doesn’t play today, he’ll be livid with Farke.
Again, Leeds have a full-back headache to contend with as their opposite starting full-back Jayden Bogle is now sitting out with a one-match suspension.
The likelihood is that Byram will simply move to the right to replace the ex-Sheffield United man and make way for Firpo’s return on the left.
However, there should be a re-think from Farke about what he’s losing in having Bogle sitting out, and that’s his attacking output and constant drive to be Leeds’ wide option on the right wing – something Schmidt can offer a great deal more than Byram.
Leeds haven’t had to worry about this supposed ‘Bogle can’t defend’ myth that was brought from Bramall Lane, so any concerns about Schmidt coping with the level of the division should be placed to one side.
Not only that, but Leeds are facing the side that have created the least xG in the league and conceded the most – a perfect opportunity for Farke to get Schmidt into a position where he’s up to speed in the EFL.
