Mateo Joseph scored his first two goals for Leeds United in the FA Cup defeat at Chelsea last night.
Daniel Farke made a number of changes to his Leeds starting XI for the match at Stamford Bridge but it was only Conor Gallagher’s 90th minute strike that separated the two sides.
Joseph was making his second start of the season for Leeds and just third ever in professional football, but really announced himself on the big stage by netting an impressive double.
Inside the opening 10 minutes he gave Leeds the lead with an emphatic finish after a mix-up in the Chelsea defence, before then heading in an equaliser on the hour-mark from Jaidon Anthony’s cross.
Despite the defeat, it is a night that will live long in Joseph’s memory and earlier today he posted on Instagram to share his feelings on the game.
Rutter and Chukwuemeka among those to congratulate Joseph
Joseph wrote: “Proud of the team’s hard work and effort. We bow out of this competition with our heads held high. An unforgettable night I will always remember.”
Georginio Rutter was out injured for Leeds last night but was clearly delighted by what he saw from his fellow young attacking teammate.
£20 million Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka – who like Rutter did not play due to injury – was also among several players to congratulate him, having been an England U20s teammate of his.
Given the number of Leeds players who have flocked to comment on his post, it is clear to see just how hard he will have worked on the training pitch for those moments last night.
Joseph is really highly rated behind-the-scenes at Leeds and has perhaps been a little unlucky to have not played more in the Championship, but he has certainly staked his case now.
Hopefully Daniel Farke has recognised what he can offer the team and give him a few opportunities over the course of the rest of the season in the promotion run in.
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