Mateo Joseph of Leeds United appeared for England under-20s last night in a late defeat against Portugal.
Fortunately for Leeds fans, the international break ended today, and club activity in the Championship resumes this weekend.
Given the rivalry for spots, especially among the teenagers, international duty represents a chance for those in Daniel Farke’s squad to play more frequently than for the Leeds senior side.
Mateo Joseph, the England under-20s striker, has yet to play for the senior team this season, with his strong pre-season performances being followed by an ankle injury that prevented him from receiving an opportunity while Farke had no out-and-out strikers available at the start of the season.
He has been limited to youth games so far this season, and he has commented on the challenge of breaking into Farke’s plans this season, after England’s youth team lost to Portugal last night.
In an interview with the YEP, he stated:
“Obviously, getting into the Leeds team is a difficult task.” They clearly have a strong team. They’re playing pretty well right now. But obviously, I’m working hard, trying to get as many minutes as possible in a club like Leeds, and just putting my head down and working hard.
“From what I’ve seen, Daniel is a fantastic coach.” He’s pushing the young guys, and he was surprised by all of them during the preseason. It will be challenging because there are veteran players who have had good seasons this year. But it’s attempting to get into that team by doing anything it can.”
Is it time to call it quits on the loan?
The terrible reality for Joseph is that, despite his potential, he has little prospect of seeing regular playing time for us this season.
Predictions for Norwich City vs. Leeds United
With Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, Patrick Bamford, Willy Gnonto, and Joe Gelhardt all ahead of him in the pecking order, it’s clear he needs a loan out.
Joseph has repeatedly demonstrated that he is too talented to be limited to the PL2 this season, and that he needs to be challenged in the senior game by playing week in and week out, rather than the occasional cameo off the bench that he received for us last season.
There is undoubtedly talent there, worthy of finding his way into our side in the future, but we cannot stifle his development by keeping him in the youth sides.
He’s up for the task, and possibly in January 2024, we should see who will give him the opportunity.
