Speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash against Cardiff City, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made a bit of a strange Erling Haaland comment about one of his players.
Joseph only played a small role last season and scoring just three goals but this season, Farke has made him his no.1 striker. The Spain U21 star has started all five games for Leeds in the Championship so far.
The forward has only managed one goal but did lay on two assists against Sheffield Wednesday and won the man of the match award. He also scored for Spain’s U21 side in a win over Scotland’s second string.
Joseph is expected to start on Saturday against Cardiff after missing a sitter against Burnley when he was put through on goal inside the first 60 seconds. It has engineered a bit of criticism from Leeds supporters.
Farke makes strange Haaland comment about Leeds star Joseph
Farke’s message during Thursday’s press conference to fans was not to get too carried away with Joseph, one way or the other. Not to expect too much when he is excellent, or criticise when he doesn’t perform.
Indeed, the German gaffer said that one week he was being praised in the same vein as Erling Haaland and then criticised a week later. But Farke told fans to calm down, and said that Joseph is working hard.
“Before he played and scored in the Championship, he was being called the new Erling Haaland. After five games, he’s not scored many goals and missed a few, everyone calm down. He’s working his socks off.”
Joseph is in the eyes of Spain boss Luis De La Fuente
His form not only in a Leeds shirt, but also for the 21’s has caught the attention of Spain manager Luis De La Fuente. The Spain gaffer wants to strengthen the weakest part of his side, which is his centre-forward.
Alvaro Morata is obviously a top striker but he has always had his critics despite a glittering CV that has clubs likes Juventus, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on it. Right now, Morata is playing for AC Milan.
De La Fuente wants to find a new hotshot striker to fire Spain towards the 2026 World Cup title after they won Euro 2024, and Joseph is being considered by De La Fuente as he continues to catch the eye.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
