By Olaitan Ibrahim
Lausanne-born Nigerian utility player Isaac Schmidt has finally made his competitive debut for Leeds United following his deadline day move from Swiss Super League side FC St. Gallen.
Primarily a left-back, the tri-national player who is also eligible for Switzerland and Germany through his father, can operate in eleven other roles namely right winger, right midfield, left midfield, right-back, left winger, central midfield, centre-forward, attacking midfield, attacking midfield, defensive midfield and second striker.
Despite the fact that Isaac Schmidt was not lacking match fitness before heading to England, having played in nine matches and scoring two goals already this season for FC St. Gallen, the all-rounder has not been able to crack Leeds United’s starting lineup for now.
The 24-year-old received his first call-up for a Championship game last weekend but remained rooted to the bench for the entirety of the 1-0 loss against Burnley.
In a game that saw Super Eagles defender Jamilu Collins make his season debut for Cardiff City, Schmidt came off the bench in stoppage time to replace Italy wonderkid Wilfried Gnonto.
Leeds United secured three points, with Largie Ramazani opened the scoring at minute 30 and Joël Piroe putting his name on the scoresheet with three minutes left.
Isaac Schmidt will be hoping to get more games under his belt in the coming weeks, as the season progresses.
His move to Leeds United saw him become the most expensive player sold by FC St. Gallen since the club was founded in April 1879.
After six matches in the second tier of English football, Leeds United are sixth in the table with eleven points ahead of their home game with Coventry City next weekend.