When Leeds United announced the signing of Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham, the Elland Road faithful were overjoyed. But two months into the season, he’s struggled.

Wilson, who turns 30 in March, has been afforded just one Premier League start since Daniel Farke struck a deal to bring the 69-time Wales star to Elland Road. It comes after having a hand in 18 goals last term.

Harry Wilson has failed to hit the ground running since joining Leeds United this summer. Why do you think it's not working out?

It’s been a long time coming, too. Wilson almost joined Leeds a year earlier, only for Fulham to pull the plug at the last minute after failing to get the signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea over the line.

Wilson hype instantly evaporates as form deteriorates at Leeds

One Premier League start has been afforded to Wilson so far. He was missing during the draw against Crystal Palace and on Sunday, he remained an unused sub. Wilson is struggling to get into the side.

Farke likes tactical consistency. Leeds have named an unchanged side for four Premier League games now, and it means Wilson – or Jean-Matteo Bahoya, like a fan on Talking Points points out – have to wait.

There is an argument to suggest that Leeds’ style of play and formation does not incorporate a player like Wilson. Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach are in the top four for distances covered in the Premier League.

Ao Tanaka might have, had he started the season as first choice. That is not the kind of player Wilson is. On average, he clocked up 10.6km per 90 minutes last season. Stach and Ampadu are north of 12km.

Wilson predominantly played as an inside forward from the right at Fulham, and Leeds simply don’t use wingers. Should Farke change his system? Or is it simply a case of Wilson needing to be patient?

Leeds’ way of playing works; Farke shouldn’t change it for anyone

Farke attempted to play the way that he prefers when Leeds were first promoted, and it didn’t work. The German was close to the sack until he changed things at half-time against Man City, and it’s worked since.

In the 27 Premier League games played since the loss at City, Leeds have amassed 44 points. If the season had begun after the 3-2 loss to Pep Guardiola’s side last November, Leeds would be in an impressive fifth.

The 3-5-2 system allows Leeds to be solid at the back. It gives license to Gabi Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle to thrive on the flanks, an engine room in the middle, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on fire up top.

Wilson is a sensational player. Probably the only player in the Leeds squad capable of genuine magic, but the Whites are still in a period where establishing themselves in the Premier League takes utter priority.

Passengers cannot be afforded. Wilson is hardly a passenger, but even a 5% drop in intensity affects the highly strung style of the side under Farke. Wilson will be important at some stage, just not right now.