Daniel Farke has told Thursday’s press conference – as per the Leeds United’s YouTube channel – that Mateo Joseph looks “really sharp” behind the scenes, despite the striker being unable to play as of yet.
Joseph, 19, has only managed six senior outings for Leeds which seems remarkable given how regularly he has been involved over the last 12 months. A player that has scored 18 goals in 31 U21 Leeds games.
A regular during pre-season, playing up top and out wide. Spain-born Joseph is a real talent and going down to the Championship might actually play into his favour – in game time is more readily available.
But, injury towards the end of pre-season has meant Joseph has not played a single minute in our first 10 games in all competitions. Joseph was on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday and Watford.
Farke was asked about Joseph in his latest press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash against fellow-relegated Southampton. He says he looks good behind the scenes, he might get minutes with the 21’s.
Pretty impressed in pre-season. Behind closed doors against Barnsley, and other friendlies. Sadly he had this injury. It is never easy for a young player if you miss two months. You need a bit longer.
“It is not easy for him, to just give game time. In training, he looks really sharp. We are thinking about game time with the 21’s. Happy he is available. In the long term of this club, he’ll play an important role.”
Farke says Joseph looks really sharp behind the Leeds scenes
Farke is not spoiled for choice. Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter are not being taken out of the starting XI any time soon. Patrick Bamford is back. Joe Gelhardt can also play in the 10 role, or up front for Leeds.
But, to have a player like Joseph coming off the bench at Leeds is a massive boost and he is likely to be in the squad against Southampton. Leeds come into the game after four consecutive clean sheets.
