Jesse Marsch has told Thursday afternoon’s press conference – as per the club’s YouTube – that teenage Leeds star Mateo Joseph has the potential to become an “important player” in the first team, after his four goals last week.
Joseph, 18, joined Leeds in January from Spanish club Espanyol but he initially struggled. Indeed, he managed just one goal in seven appearances for the club’s reserves. However, he has started this season with a bang, scoring four.
All four came last Friday in a 5-2 win over Derby’s second string – in which Dan James played 90 minutes. The young Spaniard is some way down the pecking order in terms of strikers, especially if Leeds sign a senior striker.
But asked about the young forward following his four-goal haul, Marsch made a bold prediction regarding Joseph. He believes Joseph has grown and adapted well since the American’s rival, predicting he can become an important player.
“Mateo has developed a lot since I’ve been here, understands pressing, how to play with intensity. Goalscoring knack. Because of his intelligence, quality, adaptation, he has real potential to be an important player here,” Marsch said.
Marsch: Joseph has potential to become ‘important’ Leeds player
Unfortunately for Joseph, there is no real pathway into the senior side right now – even if Marsch plays two up top. Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo are easily first choice. Dan James is likely to be above him, too.
Even then, Leeds are expected to sign another striker before the end of the window. They have missed out on Arnaud Kalimuendo, who was tempted before opting to join Rennes. Charles De Ketelaere has moved to Milan.
But Joseph has time on his side. He needs to keep plugging away and enjoy a goal-laden season with the 21’s, taking his tally to the 20-goal mark throughout 2022-23. He has made an excellent start to life at Elland Road.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
