The Leeds forward is playing a totally different ball game under the new boss.
Leeds United were left disappointed on Saturday afternoon as they failed to turn another improved performance into a win at the Reebok Stadium.
But there was still further evidence of the Steve Evans impact as the Whites left Bolton with a 1-1 draw.
Indeed, Sam Byram in particular demonstrated what Evans appears to be all about…
| 2015/16 | Match | Final-Third Passes | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Byram | Bolton vs Leeds | 22 | 90 |
| Sam Byram | Fulham vs Leeds | 20 | 90 |
| Lewis Cook | Fulham vs Leeds | 18 | 90 |
| Liam Cooper | Leeds vs Sheff Wed | 18 | 90 |
As Opta stats show, Byram posted a Leeds record for the Championship season, completing 22 passes in the final third at Bolton. The second-highest tally of the campaign, meanwhile, was again posted by Byram against Fulham – during Evans’ first game in charge of the Whites.
Byram’s overall game can still go a long way to improve, of course, but he looks a much happier player under Evans.
Whether the 22-year-old didn’t get along with Uwe Rosler or not, he certainly wasn’t playing his best football under the German.
With Evans, the stats show Byram is getting forward far more and doing a lot more in the final third itself. Now to make sure those passes end up with a goal – and to finally turn those draws into a win.
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