Readfearn is spot on, Leeds United have used youth gem incorrectly this season
Leeds United have constantly changed the player who’s leading their attacking line this season with Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe often interchanging with one another.
While the former was chosen to be the main man at the start of the season, in recent weeks, it’s felt like Daniel Farke hasn’t known what to do with the focal point of his attack.
Granted, the German’s indecisiveness hasn’t slowed the West Yorkshire outfit down all that much as they’ve won four of their last five games in the second tier with their only defeat coming against Blackburn.
And, in their 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, the Spaniard was the one chosen to be the talisman but once again failed to bag himself a goal.
Joseph’s lack of goalscoring form was something that got pointed out on the BBC’s West Yorkshire Sport Daily Show (10 December) and Redfearn shared his thoughts on why he’s not been quite up to scratch recently.
“A lot of the build-up didn’t go through him, it sort of went to the switches of play to the wide players and they built in wider areas,” he said.
“The only thing I will say about him is that there were countless balls that flashed across the box from crossing positions and he never really got himself where he looked like he would score.
“That’s the only criticism that I could label on him because they didn’t really play through him.
“He’s a young guy, he’s finding his feet and obviously [Joel] Piroe has more games under his belt and you could tell the difference when he came on.”
How should Leeds United use Mateo Joseph in the future?
As Redfearn said, in Leeds’ clash against Boro on 10 December it felt like his teammates didn’t play the ball through him that often and to be honest, that’s been the case for most of the season.
However, when Piroe is on the pitch it feels like the Whites’ style of play changes with the Dutchman often dropping back to try and pick up the ball.
While Joseph may be an out-and-out striker, unlike Piroe who described himself as a “nine and a half”, it feels like Leeds could make much more use of the youngster when he’s chosen to start.
At the moment, it’s clear Farke is figuring out the best way for Leeds to ensure Premier League promotion and whether that has Joseph or Piroe leading the line, needs to be figured out as soon as possible.
Otherwise, Farke and his men could be left rather red-faced by the time the end of the season comes around.
In other Leeds news, the 49ers should try and give Daniel Farke the perfect January gift by signing an “outstanding” on-loan ace.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.