Stuart Dallas says Leeds United attacker has been working incredibly hard behind Elland Road scenes to improve his strength

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One thing that is clear in this Leeds United side is the potential of the club’s young stars. It is easy to forget that Wilfried Gnonto is still only 21, or Illan Meslier is young for a goalkeeper at 24.

Leeds named a starting XI without a player aged 30 or over for the tenth game running, every league game this season. It is the first time Leeds have done that since the start of the 1952-53 campaign.

Joe Rothwell is the eldest at 29, but even he has been playing like he is five years younger since coming into the side. This is a young team, taking on the pressure of the Championship and running with it.

The wins over Sheffield United and Watford have taken Leeds to joint-first, only behind Sunderland on games won – given they have the same points, same goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded.

• READ MORE: Simon Grayson says Leeds have a player that makes him feel “nervous”

Stuart Dallas says one Leeds United gem is working so hard

In order for this young group of lads to cut it in the Championship, they have to deal with the physicality. Brenden Aaronson has often been criticised for his lack of strength, while Largie Ramazani is pocket sized.

But Mateo Joseph has been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to improve his physicality and it is needed as a centre-forward. That is according to Stuart Dallas, who praised Joseph before last night’s win.

“He came on with a point to prove [against Sheffield United]. He did so well to score, he’s a strong boy is Mateo. He’s worked so hard on the physical side of the game and it is paying off,” Dallas told LUTV.

Mateo Joseph is getting stronger, but needs to win more headers

It is one thing improving his physicality and overall strength, but there is a technique to winning aerial battles. Obviously, being stronger gives Joseph a better chance of doing so, but he is struggling in the air.

Playing 704 minutes stretched across his 11 appearances – of which eight have been starts – Joseph has engaged in 44 aerial duels in the Championship. But of those 44, he has lost a massive 34 battles.

That needs to improve if Daniel Farke is going to throw him back into the starting line-up, as does his efficiency in front of goal. Simon Grayson doesn’t believe Joseph is capable of scoring 20 goals this term.