Tony Dorigo spots one thing he doesn’t like about Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph, it’s ‘got to change’

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Mateo Joseph’s pre-season form promised much. The Leeds United striker scored goals against the likes of Hannover, Schalke and Valencia for Daniel Farke’s side in the summer.

After three goals last season that included a brace against Chelsea and a goal against Watford in the Championship, it looked as if the Spain U21 striker would finally explode and burst onto the Leeds scene.

But fast forward from the opening day against Portsmouth until now, and Joseph has just two goals for Leeds in 21 appearances. Perhaps harsh, given he did get a touch for Saturday’s equaliser against Preston.

It has gone down as Jack Whatmough’s own goal and that perhaps sums up Joseph’s first half to the 24-25 season. Worked hard, deserved more but not got the numbers that maybe his performances deserve.

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Tony Dorigo summarises Mateo Joseph’s start to the season

Indeed, Joseph has just two goals and three assists so far and right now, Joel Piroe is first choice given the Dutchman has had a hand in 10 goals so far despite playing less minutes than the former Espanyol man.

Speaking to The Square Ball this week, Leeds icon Tony Dorigo says that he feels Joseph has what it takes to finally explode and show everyone what he can do. But has identified something that has to change.

“It’s in there, I’m just surprised it [Joseph to explode] hasn’t come out sooner. I saw a lot of him in pre-season and he was looking like he was ready to fire. He scored four or five in pre-season,” Dorigo said.

Sometimes, he runs the near and the ball goes far, and then he runs far and the ball goes near. That’s got to change. He can do it. It’s understanding who you’re playing with. You need it, and I think it will come.”

Mateo Joseph has scored more goals for Spain’s U21 side

Interestingly, Joseph’s form for Spain’s U21 side has been better than his form in a Leeds shirt. His five goals and assists for Leeds have seen him show a creative side but for Spain, Joseph is a goalscorer.

Joseph’s Leeds and Spain U21 form this season:

Joseph has been sensational in a Spain shirt, so much so that Spain manager Luis De La Fuente is keeping an eye on Joseph ahead of the 2026 World Cup. But for some reason, his Leeds form is not there just yet.