Mateo Joseph has undoubtedly been one of the brightest shining lights of Leeds United’s season so far.
While many believed his opportunity should have come sooner, Daniel Farke has finally shown the faith in Joseph to be Leeds‘ starting number nine in the opening four matches of the campaign.
Despite poor runs of form for both Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe towards the end of last season, Farke opted against handing Joseph any starts in the league during the run-in.
That is even after Joseph netted twice in a 3-2 defeat at Chelsea in the FA Cup where he showed he more than belonged at this level.
Joseph was understandably frustrated at his lack of match action after that night at Stamford Bridge, but thankfully for Leeds, he has used that as fuel for motivation.
Speaking during the summer, Joseph made a vow to Leeds supporters that this would be his year after an off-season of intense work.
His graft behind-the-scenes allowed him to comeback for pre-season and really hit the ground running, scoring four goals in Leeds’ four friendlies, propelling him to Farke’s first choice nine.
And Joseph has really managed to take that pre-season form into the regular campaign, scoring one goal and registering two assists in four matches.
What Summerville said about Joseph last month
During the transfer window, Leeds lost arguably their best three young talents after failing to win promotion, with Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter all leaving.
Summerville was crowned the Championship POTS in April and just last month – after joining West Ham – attended a PFA awards ceremony to scoop up yet another award.
While there, Summerville was asked by Rising Ballers’ Instagram account to name one youngster coming through the ranks at Elland Road to potentially look out for at next year’s PFA awards.
The Dutchman confidently gave the name of ‘Mateo Joseph’ and that certainly looks like a claim that could ring true.
Alongside his goal contributions, Joseph’s link-up play and work rate have both really shone and hopefully his finish against Hull City is the first of many.
Leave a Reply