Given the money and quality invested in the senior ranks during the summer window, the Leeds United fanbase are expecting a fight for a European spot this campaign.

After a run of five games without a win, Daniel Farke put an end to such a run at Elland Road last weekend with a superb 1-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.

Such a result will inject a needed feel-good factor into the senior ranks ahead of the international break, which could see the Whites benefit from another unbeaten run in the Premier League.

However, if the side are to build on such a victory in the weeks ahead, it’s vital the manager hands a greater first-team role to one player given his showing against the Lilywhites.

Why Bard deserves a starting role at Leeds United

Following his summer move from OGC Nice, left-back Melvin Bard has had to bide his time for senior minutes with Gabriel Gudmundsson ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, the Frenchman was introduced at half-time against Spurs on Saturday, with such an outing just the second time he’s been handed at least 45 minutes' worth of action for the Whites.

Such a call from Farke may have taken supporters by surprise, but it was a masterstroke from the manager and one which saw the 26-year-old capture the attention of the fanbase.

Bard was certainly chucked in at the deep end against Roberto De Zerbi’s men, but his stats from the aforementioned outing showcase his quality at both ends of the pitch.

The full-back attempted four crosses during his 45-minute performance, whilst also directing 50% of his completed passes into the final third of the pitch.

Both of the aforementioned figures showcase his impressive ability to progress the play and offer a genuine attacking threat down the left-hand side of Farke’s side.

Even without the ball, the loanee managed to win 100% of his aerial battles, whilst making three tackles - which no doubt played a vital in the Whites’ ability to keep a clean sheet in Yorkshire.

How Farke has another Bard warming the bench at Leeds

Given his showing against Spurs last weekend, there’s no denying that Bard is fully deserving of a starting position upon Leeds’ return to Premier League action in 10 days' time.

However, he’s certainly not the only player who is deserving of an opportunity to showcase his ability in the starting eleven, with the manager needing to rotate his pack after the international break.

His decision to start Sean Longstaff and Lukas Nmecha last weekend will have raised eyebrows within the fanbase, and it undoubtedly proved to be one which backfired.

Noah Okafor is a player who was unlucky to miss out during such a contest, with the Swiss international having to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench.

However, like Bard, he was introduced during the second half and managed to impress with his performance - which eventually saw him net the winner for Farke’s men.

The attacker made an excellent third man run into the 18-yard box, which saw him fire home past Antonin Kinsky to secure all three points for the Whites.

Okafor also managed to complete 100% of the passes and dribbles he attempted, with the latter the highest of any player in Farke’s squad despite featuring for just 13 minutes.

He’s struggled with injuries in recent times, but he’s been a phenomenal option within attacking areas and has often been a player to get the side out of difficult moments.

The forward, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 10 times in 44 outings since his move from AC Milan last summer, with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting more during such a period.

However, it’s safe to say the 26-year-old still isn’t getting the recognition he deserves, with the winger also a player who needs a consistent run as a starter in the months ahead.

Okafor’s tally of 2.9 successful dribbles per 90 this term is the highest of any player in the squad and offers a different type of attacker to provide the goods in behind Calvert-Lewin.

Such a position has been a problem one throughout recent months in Yorkshire, and the Swiss star’s showing against Spurs is one that should see him make the position his own.

He and Bard undoubtedly changed the game together at Elland Road, and their partnership between the two down the left-hand side could be crucial in the club’s hunt for success.