Leeds United: Mateo Joseph prediction made after what he did against Chelsea
Paul Robinson does not foresee Mateo Joseph getting regular starts under Daniel Farke anytime soon even though he caught his eye with his star performance for Leeds United against Chelsea.
The 20-year-old Spanish striker scored twice as Leeds were beaten by the Premier League side 3-2 in the FA Cup on February 28.
Despite that impressive performance, Joseph has continued to warm the bench and appeared as a substitute in the wins over Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall that followed the Chelsea defeat.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson – speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News – thinks Joseph is a prime example of the strength in depth the Whites possess, stating that with Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe available, he will continue to have to be patient.
“Mateo Joseph is just another example of how strong the Leeds squad is,” he said.
“I’ve spoken all season about how they’ve got, possibly on a par with Leicester, the strongest squad in the Championship and Mateo Joseph showed that against Chelsea.
“He’s a player who hasn’t got many minutes this season, he’s had some recently where he’s come off the bench and got game time.
“But then you look at the squad, look at the players the manager’s got at his disposal (and you see why).
“I thought Leeds did excellent at Chelsea, I really did. To go there with not his strongest XI, with the four or five changes he made, to put in the performance they did and Mateo Joseph was one of those who stood out.
“And he’s a perfect example of how strong Leeds’ squad is this season because he’s not been getting a 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 have to be patient at Leeds United
No one is doubting the talent or potential that Joseph has and in time he could still become a really top player for Farke at Elland Road.
It’s just that this season, Leeds’ attacking options have been absolutely outstanding. Bamford, Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James and Crysencio Summervill have all been influential in what has turned into a charge for the Championship title.
Joseph did his own chances no harm with his brace against Chelsea and it was a timely reminder of what he might be able to one day contribute.
But, for now at least, he’s probably going to have to remain patient to get a chance in the Leeds starting XI, and that really does emphasise the quality Farke has available to him.
In other Leeds United news, one Sky pundit was wowed by what Georginio Rutter did versus Millwall.
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