Paul Robinson does not expect Mateo Joseph to make regular starts under Daniel Farke anytime soon, despite his standout performance for Leeds United against Chelsea.
On February 28, the 20-year-old Spanish striker scored twice in Leeds’ 3-2 FA Cup defeat to the Premier League side.
Despite his strong performance, Joseph has remained on the bench, appearing as a substitute in victories over Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday, and Millwall following the Chelsea setback.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson, speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, believes Joseph is a great illustration of the Whites’ depth, adding that with Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter, and Joel Piroe available, he will have to be patient.
“Mateo Joseph is just another example of how strong the Leeds squad is,” he added.
“I’ve been talking all season about how they have, possibly on par with Leicester, the strongest squad in the Championship, and Mateo Joseph demonstrated that against Chelsea.”
“He’s a player who hasn’t played much this season, but he’s had some recent opportunities to come off the bench and get game time.
“But then you look at the squad, at the players the manager has at his disposal (and you understand why).
“I think Leeds did quite well at Chelsea. To go there with not his strongest XI, with only four or five changes, and to put on the performance they did, Mateo Joseph was one of the standouts.
“And he’s the ideal example of how great Leeds’ squad is this season since he hasn’t played a single game.
“And you can guarantee if Patrick Bamford’s fit, if Rutter’s fit, if Joel Piroe’s fit, you would argue Joseph wouldn’t get a start and that shows the strength in depth Leeds have got.”
Mateo Joseph will need to be patient at Leeds United.
No one doubts Joseph’s quality or potential, and in time, he might become a truly great player for Farke at Elland Road.
It’s just that this season, Leeds’ attacking options have been fantastic. Bamford, Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James, and Crysencio Summervill have all played key roles in what has become an assault for the Championship crown.
Joseph’s brace against Chelsea aided his own chances and served as a timely reminder of what he might be able to contribute in the future.
But, for the time being, he’ll most likely have to wait his turn in the Leeds starting lineup, highlighting the quality Farke has at his disposal.
