Leeds United’s Mateo Joseph drew high praise from Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe following a standout moment in the Whites’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Friday, 23 August.
The win, secured by goals from Brenden Aaronson and Daniel James, marked Leeds United’s first three points of the season, a performance that saw Joseph play a pivotal role.
While Daniel James earned headlines for his scintillating run and deft chipped finish, it was Joseph’s contribution in the build-up that left Hinchcliffe particularly impressed.
The Sky Sports commentator highlighted Joseph’s crucial involvement, specifically his expertly measured pass that set up James for the second goal.
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event during the match, Hinchcliffe said:
“It’s exactly the situation that Leeds want Dan James in with his pace, isolated against one defender. You’re right about Joseph and his part in the goal.
“The ball breaks his way and it is a wonderful pass, the angle of it and the weight of it, and Dan James is always going to run away from Max Lowe.
“The finish is outstanding, so composed. But that pass, the angle of it is wonderful from the centre-forward Mateo Joseph. You think they’re just in the team to score? No, they’re in the team to defend when needed to, to be a creator and that’s what Joseph has been.”
As Leeds United edge closer to the transfer deadline, many fans have been clamouring for reinforcements, particularly in the striking department.
However, Joseph’s performance against Sheffield Wednesday has demonstrated that he might possess the qualities needed to become Leeds’ first-choice number nine. The Spanish youth international’s game is evidently about more than just scoring goals.
His precise, curling pass to James was a moment of high skill, showcasing a vision and execution that could easily have come from a seasoned midfielder like Ilia Gruev or Ethan Ampadu.
Although strikers are traditionally judged by their goal-scoring records, Joseph’s ability to contribute in other ways, such as creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, could prove invaluable to Leeds United’s campaign.
If he continues to demonstrate such composure and creativity in the final third, Daniel Farke may have already found his solution up front for the remainder of the season.
This is especially crucial given Joel Piroe’s ongoing struggles for form and Patrick Bamford’s continued absence due to injury. Joseph’s performance is a promising sign that Leeds might already have the answer within their ranks.