What Daniel Farke has done better than anything else at Leeds United, is getting the best out of his players. Some are in the form of their lives and that is down to the German’s man management.
Dan James is producing numbers he never has done before. Joe Rodon is back to his absolute best after three difficult years. Illan Meslier, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Cree Summerville – form of their life.
It is hard to find a player in this Leeds squad that you would say is struggling. The odd shaky display is quickly swept under the carpet and that player in question goes again and shines in a Leeds shirt.
Willy Gnonto for example, endured a difficult first half to the season after a bit of a saga last summer. But he has been superb since the turn of the year, with Andy Hinchcliffe describing him as “quality”.
Willy Gnonto raves about Leeds United youngster Mateo Joseph
Another example is Mateo Joseph. The young striker has propelled himself up the Leeds ranks under Farke during the second half of the campaign, even potentially above striker Joel Piroe at this stage.
It comes after being given the chance to lead the line in The FA Cup against Chelsea and scoring his first two goals in a 3-2 loss to Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Farke is clearly a big admirer of Joseph.
Speaking this week on the official Leeds United podcast, Italy international Gnonto raved about the 20-year-old star – who is currently with Spain’s U21 side despite winning caps for England’s U20 team.
“He has been working hard for so long, honestly, sometimes it has been tough for him. He has always been there doing extra work – finishing, going to the gym. Now you can see the results on the pitch.”
Could promotion derail Mateo Joseph’s progression at Leeds?
It will be interesting to see what promotion could see Farke do in the transfer window at the end of the season. Leeds are incredibly well-stocked in attack – perhaps, needing a winger come the summer.
Jaidon Anthony is only on loan – and it is unclear if Leeds will look to land him on a permanent deal beyond his loan from Bournemouth. If Leeds don’t get him, he’ll need replacing in the next few months.
Leeds have plenty up top. Patrick Bamford is fit and scoring goals again, Piroe is a solid option and Georginio Rutter can do a job up top. Joseph is excellent cover too, and might even be second choice.
But, Farke may feel Leeds need another striker up top – and if the Whites do sign another forward, then perhaps, Leeds may have to consider loaning Joseph out to a Championship club to get game time.
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