In an extremely hectic summer transfer window at Leeds United, one name looked destined to make the move to Elland Road.
Glen Kamara appeared to be joining Daniel Farke‘s side as early as the first week of the transfer season, but the deal took a long time to complete, with the Finnish international joining the ranks in Yorkshire in the last days of the window for £5 million [The Scottish Sun, 31 August].
After being relegated to cameos off the bench in his first few appearances in White, the 27-year-old eventually received his first start as Leeds defeated Watford 3-0 on Saturday (23 September), and he left Daniel Farke impressed.
According to Leeds Live (September 25), the Leeds manager stated, “The last few days I got the feeling okay, he looks like now that he’s really prepared and ready because I just wanted to unleash him and he’s really fully fit and fully ready to go and this is what he showed today.”He was great in his passing and positioning against the ball, in my opinion.
Obviously not a flawless performance, but there are some places where we can improve.
“But if you keep in mind that this was the first competitive game for him for clubs in a really long while, you have to say you have to give him lots of praise and I’m pleased that he repaid as much as possible.”
Before being substituted at the end of the game, Kamara scarcely put a foot wrong on the ball, completing 46 of his 50 attempted passes, five balls into the final third, and being accurate with 100% of his long balls [Fotmob].
Given Farke‘s side’s domination against the Hornets, the 27-year-old had a quieter afternoon in defence, but Kamara won his sole attempted tackle, made four ball recoveries, and won two of his three ground duels as he and Ethan Ampadu controlled the middle of the park.
The goal of Farke’s business this summer, particularly in midfield, was to provide Leeds United with additional high-quality competition in midfield, and alongside Ampadu, Archie Grey, and Ilia Gruev, the United boss now has a number of choices to choose from.
However, with a week between games and adequate time for Kamara to complete his rehabilitation, given his recent lack of play, Farke must certainly start the Finnish midfielder after he was so excellent on his debut.
Although the other midfield choices are more than capable, Kamara was running games in Europe only a few years ago as Rangers advanced to the Europa League final; at his peak, he might be one of the Championship’s most influential midfielders.
Leeds fans should be thrilled to see what a completely fit Kamara looks like, with Farke feeling there is still more to come from the 27-year-old.
Leave a Comment