Leeds: Marsch has a real talent in Joseph

Leeds United arguably possess probably the most thrilling crops of youth prospects within the Premier League at current, with the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville already being an everyday a part of Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad, whereas children equivalent to Sonny Perkins, Darko Gyabi and Archie Grey are all lighting it up for the Whites’ youth sides.

Nonetheless, whereas it’s Perkins who has largely stolen the limelight for Michael Skubala’s U21 outfit thus far this season – with the 18-year-old having scored seven goals in six Premier League 2 fixtures already in 2022/23 – it was one other of the Leeds starlets who stole the present in Friday’s 4-0 victory over Stoke Metropolis – Mateo Joseph.

Certainly, regardless of failing to hit the again of the web over his final three Premier League 2 outings, the 18-year-old very a lot had his taking pictures boots on in opposition to the Potters, bagging three targets to assist the Whites keep their outstanding begin to the 2022/23 marketing campaign – profitable 5 and drawing one in every of their opening six fixtures.

The Spaniard’s second of the evening was notably spectacular, with Joseph’s strain on Tommy Simkin forcing an error from the goalkeeper earlier than the striker picked up Perkins’ rebounded effort and smashed dwelling from an impressively tight angle.

Underrated facet of Mateo Joseph’s centre-forward play is his urgent; doesn’t give opponents a second’s peace, which creates conditions like this. Assured strike that as effectively. #lufc pic.twitter.com/9yGHf9IURS

— Joe Donnohue (@JoeDonnohue) September 30, 2022

And, following the fixture, Skubala singled out the teen for reward, stating (by way of the Yorkshire Evening Post): “Mateo was implausible tonight. He’s, for those who like, come out and in somewhat bit, however he’s been coaching like a warrior, you may see that in his recreation.

“Mateo could be very humble, very quiet in a means however he’s working actually, actually onerous. He’s received that power and want and also you noticed that in his targets and his ending and you realize, he’s a menace for any defence.”

Certainly, whereas Perkins has been considerably hailed because the star of the Leeds U21 facet this season, the numbers don’t lie, and Joseph’s latest three-goal haul now means he’s outscoring the England U19 worldwide – with eight to his title this time period.

As such, whereas the previous West Ham United sensation is undoubtedly an exceptionally gifted younger participant, Jesse Marsch could be sensible to not ignore Joseph in his first group planning, because the Spaniard very a lot appears to be an actual diamond within the tough.