There have been some standout performers in the international break for Leeds United.
13 players were called up for international duty this month. Ao Tanaka, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson were among the players called up by their respective nations.
Brenden Aaronson only featured for 20 minutes this week as the USMNT face Jamaica over two legs in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The midfielder missed the first game with illness and only made a cameo in the second game.
Joe Rodon was a standout performer, with Wales boss Craig Bellamy singing his praises after their game against Turkey:
“His box defending – I know you’ve heard me mention that phrase – it means when you’re deep in defending in the box. Headers, blocked shots. He’s so good at it,”
“That’s difficult. Trust me. There’s a lot of defenders that are not as good at that as him. When you look at him with the ball, he’s brilliant. He really is.”
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Leeds United star changed the game for his country
Credit: Imago Images
Another player who impressed was Mateo Joseph. The Leeds youngster was on the scoresheet for Spain’s U21 side in their friendly against Denmark. Joseph ended up scoring the goal that gave his side a 2-1 victory.
The 21-year old has also been outperforming his competition at club level. Joseph has two goals and three assists in the championship this season, and has had serious backing from Leeds United fans to become a starter at the club. In his third game of the season, he assisted both goals as Leeds beat Sheffield Wednesday away from home.
Daniel Farke has also been pleased with how the youngster has played this season. He had a lot of praise for the forward after the Coventry City game:
“I’m happy with what Mateo’s delivering,”
“As a striker you’re only 100 per cent if you score game after game, but I don’t rate him in output of just goals. His link-up play is excellent and how he holds defenders.”
Mateo Joseph will be an issue
With how well the Spain U21 international has played this season, he will definitely be getting interest as the season grows. Joseph has not been a regular in the first team, so if any side comes with an offer with playing time, he may consider leaving the club. Daniel Farke has his work cut out to convince the player to stay for the long term.
