Leeds United youngster Mateo Joseph is yet to make a start in the Championship but he is heading in the right direction.
The 20-year-old is one of the brightest young players at the club, and Daniel Farke has admitted that he was “excited” to see him in the pre-season training.
Joseph started in the 3-2 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup where he scored both goals. He has regularly made appearances from the bench, and Farke is really impressed with what he has seen from him so far.
Leeds have more options upfront in the form of Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe, and other are other players who can play upfront as well if needed, so Joseph will have to stay patient and grab his chances when presented before him.
Farke still thinks that the young striker can make a “big impact” from the bench towards the closing stages of the season.
“We are happy with this development after a long-term injury at the start of the season. Excited about him in pre-season and his development. That’s why we rewarded him with a new contract,” said Farke ahead of Leeds clash v Sheffield Wednesday.
“We cannot say he is the go-to guy in the run-in at the moment. We have lots of competition there. Mateo has shown what he is capable of, in the cup, like the last 25 minutes last night. Keeps going like this his minutes will increase. Perhaps he can have this big impact down the home stretch.”
Leeds United team news v Sheffield Wednesday
The Whites will face Sheffield Wednesday away from home on Friday night in the Championship, and it’s going to be another cracking game.
Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in the relegation zone, but they have seen a massive upturn in form after four straight wins. They have also picked up five wins in their last six games in the Championship and they are one of the in-form teams at the moment.
Leeds have managed 10 wins and a draw in their last 11 Championship games, and they need all three points to apply pressure on both Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Farke confirmed that Jaidon Anthony won’t be playing again for this game. He missed out on the last match due to personal reasons. The Whites boss also added that Pascal Struijk is likely to return to first-team training after the international break.