Daniel Farke delighted with ‘big boost’ Leeds ace had on international duty, there had been some ‘criticism’

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Daniel Farke has revealed how much he takes into account international performances when choosing his Leeds United starting line-up.

The Whites return to Championship action at Swansea City on Sunday on the back of a two-week period when the majority of Farke’s squad have been away with their respective countries.

On the whole, it was a positive period for many of Leeds‘ internationals, though the main thing for Farke is the vast majority have returned with a clean bill of health.

The only one with a slight question mark is Max Wober, who has had to be managed at Thorp Arch this week due to a minor knee reaction after playing 90 minutes for Austria, but nothing that will rule him out of Sunday.

In terms of results, Leeds’ Welsh quartet, Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo, Manor Solomon and Brenden Aaronson all picked up significant victories.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke shares major update on Largie Ramazani injury ahead of Leeds United’s trip to Swansea

Farke reveals ‘big boost’ for Mateo Joseph this week

Mateo Joseph was the only one of Leeds’ internationals to get on the scoresheet over the break, as he netted the winner for Spain U21s against Denmark on Tuesday.

Joseph has only scored twice for Leeds this season and so anytime he can find some confidence by doing for Spain will prove beneficial to him.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke was asked about how much international performances can influence his team selection.

Though Farke knows how much of a ‘big boost’ it will have been for Joseph to find the net, it is how players perform in training and matches for Leeds that is most important.

He said: “I think sometimes it is important to have a good international spell with confidence for our offensive players. For example, Mateo Joseph scored in the last game, it’s good and like a big boost for him.

“In the game before he didn’t score and there was a bit of criticism so it’s always better when they perform well. But I think it’s fair to take into account more what happens with us, the training and games before, but of course I have my eye on it.”

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke says £4.6m Leeds United player underwent surgery on injury during international break

Farke has Joseph vs Joel Piroe debate again for Leeds

The debate of Joseph against Joel Piroe for that lone striker role at Leeds once again returns ahead of this weekend.

Joseph got his first start in six matches against QPR last time out, but despite an all-round positive display, was unable to get on the scoresheet.

Piroe – as he so often has this season – came onto replace him with 20 minutes to go and put the finishing touch on Leeds’ victory.

Even despite Joseph’s lack of goals, that feels like the dynamic that has worked best this season, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if Piroe returns to the XI against his former club.