Leeds United are going to need the entire squad to contribute during this incredible Championship promotion run-in.
The Whites’ busy schedule has clearly taken its toll on the squad in recent weeks and though there is an international break on the horizon shortly, the final month of the season will require both mental and physical strength.
Daniel Farke undoubtedly has one of the strongest squads in the division and hopefully that will show during the latter stages of the season, as they sit two points adrift of second place Ipswich Town.
Farke has liked to keep a settled starting XI over the course of the season but at different times, has seen players such as Ilia Gruev and Patrick Bamford come to the fore, having played a bit-part role earlier in the campaign.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, journalist Phil Hay has tipped Mateo Joseph to be the next player to step into a key role after a really productive month or so.
Hay tips Joseph for key role
He said: “Very much so, or at least a strong alternative to Piroe. You’ve now got a choice there… he does fit more into the style of nine that Bamford is than what Piroe gives Leeds.
“He’s had a good month Joseph and has looked up to it, looks physically strong enough and has clearly got talent and technical ability. I think he will have a role to play before the season ends.”
Joseph is still yet to start a league game for Leeds but his two goals in the FA Cup at Chelsea show he is more than ready to do so in the Championship.
Given Leeds’ hectic recent schedule, it would be great if he was handed a start at Sheffield Wednesday tonight, which would be more than deserved after his cameo against Stoke City.
Whether Farke sees a promotion run-in as the time to play someone with Joseph’s inexperience regularly remains to be seen, but surely he is at a point now where he can be trusted.
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