Exclusive:'I was surprised' - Stephen Warnock's candid admission over Leeds United star Noah Okafor's World Cup campaign
Stephen Warnock has reflected on Leeds United star Noah Okafor’s lack of World Cup action
Stephen Warnock has conceded he was “surprised” by Leeds United star Noah Okafor’s lack of action at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old pushed his way back into the Switzerland fold ahead of the tournament, landing a seat on the plane to Switzerland’s camp in California.
He was riding the crest of a wave after an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, during which he contributed eight goals to Leeds’ successful battle against relegation.
Leeds fans were hoping to see Okafor shine on the global stage, but he saw just 25 minutes of action in Switzerland’s run to the quarter-final. The versatile attacker was given his only outing in the round of 32, appearing from the bench as Murat Yakin’s side defeated Algeria 2-0.
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Stephen Warnock’s Noah Okafor verdict
Former Leeds defender Warnock was on punditry duty at the World Cup and did not expect to see Okafor play such little football.
He told The Yorkshire Post: “I think they'll (Leeds) probably be more frustrated that he's gone there and not played many minutes.
“It could have been better, more beneficial, for him to have had a rest, but obviously you don't think that when you get called up to a World Cup squad. You're thinking, ‘well, he's going to play a part, he's going to play a role’.
“I was surprised, but then you look at [Breel] Embolo, the form that he was in and how he was playing.”
‘A game of opinions’
Okafor missed the final three games of Leeds’ Premier League season through injury but was named as a substitute in each of Switzerland’s games, suggesting he was fit.
The former AC Milan winger will still have an extended break before linking back up with Leeds, who recently started their pre-season preparations.
Warnock said: “It is disappointing, but it's funny, isn't it? Football is a game of opinions and you get that manager who just thinks, ‘you know what, he's not my type of player’ or ‘he doesn't suit things’.
“We don't know whether he could have been carrying some type of injury after training or anything. I would have thought after the season he'd had, the way he played, especially towards the back end of the season, that he'd have played more minutes.”
As frustrated as Okafor was, he did not rock the boat as Switzerland moved through the stages of the competition.
He was put before the press after Switzerland’s qualification from the group stage and spoke diplomatically about his lack of action.
Okafor said: “I'm perhaps a little annoyed because every player wants to play. So far, it hasn't happened, but that's football, and I'm trying to stay focused and wait for my chance.
“Expectation is a big word. We have a 26-man squad. I know where my strengths lie and how I can help the team. That's what I train for every day. You can make five substitutions; I'm ready.
“I didn't play in the Euros. I was younger then and made a few mistakes. You could see it in my body language. I've taken a step forward both as a person and as a footballer. It's normal to be annoyed or frustrated when you don't get any playing time. But like I said, I'm positive and happy for the team.”