Leeds United’s U21 boss Michael Skubala has told Leeds Live that Mateo Joseph is a “really exciting” talent and his physicality is growing, as he scored in a 3-1 win over Hertha Berlin on Tuesday night.
Joseph, 20, has failed to play a single minute of first-team action for Leeds this season. The addition of Joel Piroe has pushed the England U21 man down the pecking order – and he is back with the 21’s.
At least, he was on Tuesday night. Skubala’s men came into their second premier League International Cup after beating OGC Nice 2-0, in the first fixture. They made it two from two, with a superb 3-1 win.
It was a strong side named by Skubala. Leo Hjelde, Lew Bate, Diogo Monteiro, Darko Gyabi, Joseph and in-form Sean McGurk all started. Keenan Carole, Bate and Joseph got their names on the score sheet.
Speaking after the match, Skubala was full of praise for Joseph. He praised the Spain-born striker for his performance – saying he is growing physically, that he is “really mature” and is an exciting player.
“Really patient, really mature, a good pro. He’s been waiting, training really well. Daniel asked to give him 90 minutes. He got through it really well and looked really good. Credit to Mateo, credit to his patience.
“He’s always been a good pro, a good young man. He’s a really exciting player. You can see his physical stature growing. His back to goal game was really good. We’ve worked on that for six to nine months.”
Skubala: Leeds talent Joseph really exciting, growing physically
It is a shame that Joseph has been unable to make his mark this season. He was a regular in pre-season. The signing of Piroe, coupled by Joseph’s injury at the start of the season, has played havoc.
It is a long season, though, and Joseph has every chance of breaking into the team towards the middle and latter stages of the season. It might even be that come January, he needs to leave Leeds on loan.
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