Daniel Farke’s greatest accomplishment at Leeds United has been getting the most out of his players. Some are in the best shape of their lives, thanks to German man management.
Dan James is producing figures that he has never achieved before. Joe Rodon is back to his peak form after three challenging years. Illan Meslier, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Cree Summerville describe their lives.
It’s hard to locate a failing player in this Leeds squad. The occasional weak performance is swiftly forgotten, and the player in question goes on to flourish in a Leeds shirt.
Willy Gnonto, for example, had a difficult first half of the season following a bit of a drama last summer. However, he has been fantastic since the turn of the year, with Andy Hinchcliffe praising him as “quality”.
Willy Gnonto praises Leeds United kid Mateo Joseph.
Mateo Joseph serves as another example. The teenage striker has risen through the Leeds ranks under Farke in the second part of the season, potentially surpassing Joel Piroe at this point.
It comes after being handed the opportunity to lead the line in the FA Cup against Chelsea, when he scored his first two goals in a 3-2 defeat to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Farke is clearly a huge fan of Joseph.
Speaking on the official Leeds United podcast this week, Italy international Gnonto gushed about the 20-year-old talent, who presently plays for Spain’s U21 side despite having previously represented England’s U20 team.
“He has been working hard for a long time, and it has been difficult at times for him. He has always done extra effort, such as finishing and going to the gym. “You can now see the results on the pitch.”
Could promotion jeopardize Mateo Joseph’s progress at Leeds?
It’ll be intriguing to see what Farke does in the transfer window at the end of the season. Leeds are tremendously well-stocked in attack, but they may need a winger in the summer.
Jaidon Anthony is only on loan from Bournemouth, and it is unknown whether Leeds would want to sign him permanently. If Leeds do not sign him, he will have to be replaced within the next several months.
Leeds has a lot up top. Patrick Bamford is fit and scoring goals again, Piroe is a reliable alternative, and Georginio Rutter can play up front. Joseph is also a good cover, possibly second choice.
However, Farke may believe Leeds require another striker up front, and if the Whites do acquire another attacker, Leeds may have to consider loaning Joseph out to a Championship team to gain playing time.
