Why Matteo Joseph Could Still Be Leeds United’s Starting Number 9

Matteo Joseph’s development into a potent attacking force cannot be overlooked, even with Joel Piroe currently delivering the goals at Leeds United. Joseph’s recent hat-trick for Spain’s U21 development squad is a perfect example of his capability when receiving the right type of service—precise balls into the box where he thrives. While Piroe plays a key role, often dropping deeper to link play or finding space to score from different positions, Joseph is a traditional number 9, someone who feeds on deliveries into the middle. The question Leeds must ask is whether their current tactical approach is maximising Joseph’s abilities.

Farke’s system has benefited Piroe, allowing him to score by finding space or arriving late in the box. However, Leeds may not be playing to Joseph’s strengths when he’s on the pitch. His success at the international level—his hat-trick for Spain’s development team, for example—proves his ability when he’s fed in the right areas. Joseph thrives on early crosses, cutbacks, and balls into space where he can anticipate and finish in one or two touches. The current system doesn’t consistently create those situations for him.

Despite being only 20 years old, Joseph has demonstrated both the mentality and technical ability to be a threat in the box. His movement is sharp, and he understands how to position himself in the right areas to receive service. His hat-trick at the international level shows that when teams feed him properly, he can deliver. This points to a larger question for Leeds: Are they giving him the right opportunities to show what he can do?

Joseph can be a vital alternative to Piroe, especially in games where Leeds need a more direct approach or when their opponents sit deep. He offers a different type of threat—a player who lives off service into the box and can finish clinically when given the chance. The Championship season is long and grueling, and having multiple attacking options is essential for any promotion push. Piroe’s flexibility and goal-scoring prowess have been crucial, but Joseph’s potential shouldn’t be ignored. If Leeds can tweak their approach when Joseph plays—focusing on delivering more crosses, playing through the wings, and offering better service into central areas—they could unlock a striker with natural finishing instincts.

The key takeaway from Joseph’s international success is that he needs service tailored to his strengths. With the right tactical adjustments, he could easily emerge as a starting option in a competitive Leeds United attack. His ability to anticipate, move off defenders, and finish clinically are attributes that, if utilized correctly, could add even more firepower to Leeds’ promotion push.

In conclusion, while Piroe continues to deliver, Joseph’s recent performances and skill set should encourage Leeds to consider him as a legitimate starting option. His hunger for goals and ability to feed off service make him an asset that Leeds can’t afford to overlook. With a bit more focus on playing to his strengths, Joseph could become a key figure in Leeds’ pursuit of Premier League promotion.