Daniel Farke was ‘quietly impressed’ by 20-year-old Leeds man in pre-season, yet to feature under him

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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was left ‘quietly impressed’ by Mateo Joseph’s performances in pre-season.

Joseph came off the bench in all four of Leeds’ friendlies during the summer as Farke took a closer a look at the 20-year-old ahead of the start of the new season.

According the Yorkshire Evening Post, Joseph was even considered by Farke as one of three central striking options prior to Joel Piroe’s arrival from Swansea City in August.

However, an ankle injury in the week leading up to the opening match against Cardiff City saw him fall considerably down the pecking order, of which he is yet to climb back up.

Joseph is likely to have been behind both Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford for a place in that position, even though he was predominantly used out wide in pre-season.

Joseph could get a chance on the bench

With Rutter and Bamford now firmly one and two in Farke’s striking options, Joseph will be hoping that a space opens up on the bench over the next few matches as an option on the wing.

Ian Poveda has flown out to the United States to represent Colombia for the first time in two friendlies with Venezuela and Mexico, which could open the door for him.

You would have thought that Joe Gelhardt would be next in line for a place in the matchday squad, but it is not yet certain whether he will be available due to injury.

Given that Joseph clearly impressed Farke in the summer, he will be hoping that he gets the nod and a potential chance to showcase what he can do in a competitive match.

The big problem for him, though, is that in the two positions he is strongest in, first team stars Rutter and Crysencio Summerville have been on fire.