Daniel Farke has acknowledged that one Leeds United youngster has attracted his attention during pre-season thus far.
The Whites have had an exceptionally fruitful summer since losing the play-off final at Wembley, and their season opener against Portsmouth is just under two weeks away.
Leeds fans were allowed to see their team play for the first time against Harrogate Town seven days ago, after they began pre-season with a 3-0 victory against Lincoln City behind closed doors.
Leeds won again by the same scoreline, and just 24 hours later, they were on an aircraft to Germany for two more friendlies.
The Bundesliga 2 side On Wednesday afternoon, Hannover faced Leeds, who won comfortably 4-1, with Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle standing out.
Farke gives his thoughts on Mateo Joseph’s preseason.
It is tough to identify any terrible performers in either of the two friendlies that have been available to watch, but there are plenty of players who are clearly eager to make an impact.
Mateo Joseph, who was undoubtedly Leeds’ standout performer against Harrogate, provided an excellent assist for Junior Firpo.
He subsequently scored two legitimate striker goals against Hannover, with his summer work allowing him to get off to a flying start.
In an interview with Leeds Live, manager Farke was asked about Joseph’s first-team possibilities for the coming season, and he stated there is a real possibility he might make his league debut against Portsmouth.
He remarked, “If I were to judge it right now, it would be because his preseason has been extremely remarkable. I’ve enjoyed all three games he’s played.
“He was involved in goals and contributed not only to them, but also to his maturity and workload. He returned after a short vacation in good form, and this is the basement.
“You could tell from the first day that he had used the break to get in better shape, and this is always a basement, especially for young players, because we have competition.”
“Up front, for the period Patrick is unavailable, perhaps in pre-season, to gain additional minutes. It boosts his confidence if he delivers like this, and he’s absolutely on the right track, sure.”
Farke simply needs to make Joseph his starting striker.
With Patrick Bamford sidelined, Joseph is presently fighting with Joel Piroe for the starting position up front.
Piroe has also had a good pre-season, scoring three goals in Leeds’ first three games, but Joseph appears to fit the system far better.
Given Leeds’ level of creativity in the three spaces behind the striker, Joseph’s pace and movement in behind provide Farke with a completely different alternative than Piroe.
Joseph has unquestionably been Leeds’ biggest winner in preseason, and it is time Farke gave him the chance he deserves.
