Graham Smyth makes Mateo Joseph prediction after impressing for Leeds United in pre-season
Leeds United sensation Mateo Joseph could be set for first-team chances under Daniel Farke this season after wowing staff in pre-season, according to journalist Graham Smyth.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast (20 July, 53m:15sec), Smyth reported that Joseph has caught the eye so far this summer while youth teammate Sonny Perkins could be the one to head out on loan.
In a piece for the Yorkshire Evening Post (21 July), Smyth reiterated his stance, writing that the 19-year-old wonderkid is expected to step up and play more senior minutes this term after being heavily involved in Farke’s plans.
Speaking on Inside Elland Road Podcast, Smyth said: “Mateo Joseph he is one that we are hearing good noises about this summer.
“He has impressed in pre-season, from him and Perkins, Perkins is the one who probably goes on loan and Joseph sticks around and I think he might get a chance, he might get more of a chance than he got last season.”
Ideal platform
With Farke and the 49ers Enterprises desperately attempting to rebuild the squad this summer, after losing several of their key stars already, it certainly presents a chance for some of their impressive youthful talent to step up to the plate next season.
The Championship is the ideal platform for some of these young players to thrive and remind the fans why they are highly rated within the club. Relegation could well be deemed a blessing in disguise as a result.
The Whites hold an impressive and burgeoning production line at Elland Road and there may have been doubts about the progress of some of their young stars had they remained in the Premier League.
Now, Farke has the chance to incorporate some of them, including the likes of Joseph and returning defender Charlie Cresswell, in his first-team plans as the Championship offers them a platform where there is no immediate pressure, and plenty of room to make mistakes and develop considerably.
Joseph has indeed impressed so far this summer, and even put in a stunning cameo in the 2-0 pre-season defeat to Manchester United on 12 July in Norway, a performance that will have certainly raised a few eyebrows. The 19-year-old looks ready to stake a claim next season and it’s finally time Leeds United provide him with the opportunities.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are “confident” of keeping four senior players at Elland Road for another season.