Journalist wowed by what Mateo Joseph did on England Under-20 duty as ‘sharp’ verdict shared on Leeds United man

Leeds United youngster Mateo Joseph “looked sharp” for England Under-20s against Portugal Under-20s, according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Donnohue.

The Whites forward replaced West Ham attacker Divin Mubama in the 78th minute of the match on Tuesday (17 October).

MK Dons’ Stadium MK hosted the Elite League encounter, with visitors Portugal winning the game 2-1 in the 94th minute.

“Last-gasp winner by the visitors a real bitter pill to swallow for England’s youngsters, who were good value for a point throughout the game,” Donnohue wrote on Twitter.

“From Leeds United’s pov, Joseph looked sharp when he came on, held it up well despite lack of gametime this season.”

Positive sign

Leeds manager Daniel Farke would not have wanted his players to have been too busy on international duty, particularly given how there was a long list of them away with their respective nations.

But for that same reason, regular minutes weren’t going to go the way of every Whites player, which was the case for young striker Joseph.

Having been handed 22 minutes against Romania on Thursday (12 October), the 19-year-old then featured for just over 10 minutes against Portugal, with both appearances coming from the bench.

Building up time on the pitch is key for the teenager as he makes his way back to full fitness, and Farke will be delighted at how England Under-20s managed the youngster’s playing time in the latest international break.

In a further positive for the Whites boss, Joseph proved that he can still perform despite a lack of minutes under his belt, with the attacker now potentially forcing his way into the Leeds squad for their meeting with Norwich City on Saturday (21 October).

In other Leeds United news, a 49ers Enterprises transfer decision has been justified after recent player news at Elland Road.