Daniel Farke set to make Patrick Bamford call at Leeds United
Daniel Farke is likely to use Patrick Bamford only as a substitute this season due to the emergence of Mateo Joseph at Leeds United, David Norris has suggested.
The former Whites midfielder claims he rates Joseph very highly and says he can be an excellent successor to Bamford, who is expected to take an increased backseat.
Joseph was used only sparingly last term but was utilised heavily during pre-season and was handed the starting shirt for the dramatic 3-3 draw with Portsmouth in their Championship opener on Saturday.
Norris thinks that is all primed for a big campaign on a personal level.
“I think he’ll come in for Bamford and possibly Piroe as well longer-term and be a real key player for Leeds this season,” Norris exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“Joseph is showing those attributes a Leeds striker needs and I’d back him to score plenty of goals should he be a regular starter.
“He’s made his way through the levels and this season is his chance.”
Huge Leeds United season for Joseph
Without intending to add to the pressure seemingly heaved onto the shoulders of Joseph, the 2024-25 campaign could be the year that defines his career at Elland Road.
That is far from just on him, as a trust in the creative players behind him will have a considerable impact on his output this season as well as the opportunities offered to him by Farke.
Joseph was deployed to spearhead the attack against Portsmouth on Saturday, and in a dominant performance which ultimately yielded just a point, he did manage four shots – two on target [Sofascore].
Bamford and mainly Joel Piroe are the other alternatives at number nine – Piroe especially will be knocking on the door given the £12m fee which brought him to West Yorkshire and the Dutchman knows he would be first choice almost anywhere else in the division.
Georginio Rutter will of course operate just in behind the striker as has been the case, with Joe Gelhardt another similar option in that “nine-and-a-half” berth.
Spanish Under-21 international Joseph – who also qualifies for England and has played for both nations at youth level – will be keen to repay Farke’s faith in which a lot is at stake – namely the German’s job should Leeds endure a sluggish next few weeks in form.
In other Leeds news, the club have been backed to complete a deal for this Chelsea star.
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