Mateo Joseph ‘Cruel’ verdict shared after what happened in Leeds v Harrogate
Adam Pope said watching Mateo Joseph try to score for Leeds United against Harrogate Town was “almost cruel”.
The Whites came out on top from their FA Cup tie against their League Two Yorkshire rivals with Largie Ramazani scoring the only goal of the game in the 59th minute of the 1-0 win at Elland Road.
Joseph was given a start from Daniel Farke and played the full 90 minutes but was unable to find the back of the net.
Writing on the BBC Sport website (15 January), Pope analysed the striker’s performance and wrote: “Mateo Joseph busted a gut to discover the Midas touch in front of goal against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup after being given another chance to start by manager Daniel Farke.
“He failed to make contact with a great cross at the near post which he then struck moments later. It was almost cruel as Joseph laboured too hard thereafter to add to his two strikes this season, the last of which came three months ago in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.”
Mateo Joseph failing to impress at Leeds United
Despite making 26 Championship appearances so far this term, Joseph has just two goals to show for it, with three assists alongside it, which is a disappointing return.
Joel Piroe has hit double figures but overall there is a definitely feeling that the Whites’ strikers could be contributing far more to the cause and it has been a surprise to see Farke suggest they will not bring in reinforcements during the transfer window to bolster their options at number nine.
The 21-year-old is putting in the effort to try and produce for his side but, so far, it is just not working for him at Elland Road, which could suggest he is not ready for this level of football.
Last term, the striker netted just once in 22 league appearances which does suggest that the boss may have made a mistake putting too much trust in him to perform to the desired level this term.
The striker certainly needs to start putting some chances away in the second half of the campaign if he is going to prove that he is able to perform for the West Yorkshire outfit as they look towards a place in the top flight.
In other Leeds news, Daniel Farke has been questioned for a decision he made on Josuha Guilavogui.
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