LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Manager Daniel Farke of Leeds United reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Cardiff City at Elland Road on August 06, 2023 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
It has been a solid start to the 2024-25 season at Leeds United despite a new-look Whites attack still looking to gel further as the campaign goes on, and Dan James is impressed by one key player.
The departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter has seen Leeds forced to wave goodbye to two massive elements of the club’s attack. But Daniel Farke has formed a new attacking foursome.
Brenden Aaronson is back from his loan and right now, the USA star looks first choice to play in the 10 role as Rutter’s replacement. On the right, it remains a toss up between Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James.
On the left, it is between two new signings Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani. But the main change is the striker up top, the one expected to score the goals, and Farke is placing his faith in Mateo Joseph.
James says Mateo Joseph is always “doing extras” after training
Joseph has looked superb so far, this season. While he might not have been at his brilliant best against Portsmouth or West Brom, he rectified that with a man-of-the-match display at Sheffield Wednesday.
Two assists in a 2-0 with a gorgeous pass for Dan James’ first goal of the season. Then, a goal and the pre-assist against Hull last time out, followed by the winner for Spain’s U21 side against Scotland U21’s.
Joseph is on fire, and James told The Second Tier podcast: “What gets me most about him is his aura. He wants to do better, he’s always staying out doing extras, he wants to be better, great professionalism.
“His work rate off the ball is second to none. He’s not lazy, he’s always working hard. You see him winning the ball back in full-back positions. You have to remind him to stay up front but he’s got that about him.
What Joseph has said about his future and long-term Leeds deal
While on international duty with Spain’s U21 side, Joseph was asked about his future and signing a long-term deal at Leeds. Currently, Joseph is on a contract with the Yorkshire club until the summer of 2028.
The striker, who is in action with Spain’s eldest youth side on Tuesday against Hungary away from home, said that “the truth” is that he is happy at Leeds even if he didn’t get the minutes he wanted last season.
“I signed until 2028 and very happy, the truth. The club always gave me confidence, despite not so many minutes. Everyone has their own way. It is important to keep your feet on the ground, keep working.
