Former Leeds United U-23 boss namechecks the players who can ‘shine’ at Elland Road
Mark Jackson believes Mateo Joseph and Darko Gyabi could make the step up for Leeds United this season.
Jackson was part of Leeds’ coaching staff between February 2022 and December 2022 before he left the club to become head coach of League One side MK Dons.
During his time at Elland Road, Jackson managed the Under-23s and believes there are two young stars at the club who could be very important for the Whites this season.
“Mateo Joseph has huge potential and all the attributes to make an impact — Darko Gyabi is another, ” Jackson said, as reported by the Mail Plus (30 July).
“Yes, players have left Leeds this summer and I’m sure others will arrive. But there are young lads there with enormous talent and some with Championship experience.
“It’s a case of saying, now the club needs you, it’s your time to shine.”
Bright side
While relegation is of course one of the worst imaginable things that can happen to a football club and incredibly painful for supporters to take, it does also offer a silver lining.
With Leeds now in the Championship, some young players could begin to make a name for themselves and help the club push for promotion with more opportunities to play.
And the two names who have been mentioned by Jackson are very exciting indeed. England Under-20 striker Joseph, who was born in Spain, scored 15 goals in 19 Premier League Two games last season while providing one assist and the 19-year-old could certainly be someone to watch out for next season.
Daniel Farke could also offer Gyabi a chance to prove himself after the club paid £5million for him last summer. The midfielder, who was signed from Manchester City, plays in various positions across the middle of the park and scored three times as well as providing two assists in 18 Premier League Two matches last year.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has offered an update on the release clause of a first-team star.