Former England striker Emile Heskey has admitted that it is time for Mateo Joseph to prove his mettle and show whether he is ready to play on the big stage in Leeds United colours.
Joseph has leapfrogged Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the pecking order of strikers and is currently the man Daniel Farke is depending on to lead the line for Leeds.
The 20-year-old striker scored his first goal of the season in Leeds’ 2-0 win over Hull City last Saturday and is expected to line up in the starting eleven when the Whites host Burnley after the international break.
Joseph was in and out of the team last season but the onus is on him to carry the burden of being the number 9 this term with Leeds failing to sign a striker in the summer transfer window.
Heskey admitted that it is time for everyone to find out whether the young forward is ready for the spotlight at Leeds.
The former striker admits that Mateo Joseph will have to prove whether he is prepared to be the main man for Leeds
Heskey insisted that this is Joseph’s chance to make it count and stand out for Leeds given the lack of options up front at Leeds this season.
He believes that the striker has shown in his limited appearances previously for Leeds and the Spain Under-21s that he has the talent to do the job for the Yorkshire giants.
The former striker hailed the technical ability of the Leeds attacker but stressed that he now has to prove that he can do it on the big stage consistently for a club of Leeds’ size and stature and handle that pressure.
“I think this is Mateo’s season to stand out”, Heskey told BetMGM (via Leeds Live).
“He’s been in and around the team for a while, he’s played in the Premier League, he’s made a few appearances and then last season he was in and out of the side.
“I believe this is his time to stand up and show what he’s made of, he’s a Spanish [youth] international, he’s played for England [Under-20s] as well, and he’s shown what he’s capable of doing.
“He can score his goals like he did against Hull, but he’s a very technical player and I think this is his time to show what he’s made of on the big stage, and there’s no better club to do it at than Leeds United.
“They are a big club with great fans who will back their players. If they are in form and putting in great performances, he is in a great position to grab his chance by the scruff of the neck.”
Joseph has two goals in 24 Championship appearances for Leeds but the club are banking on the striker taking that leap this season.
