(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)

Archie Gray and Harry Gray react to Mateo Joseph's personal Leeds message

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Mateo Joseph reflected on his own development at Elland Road after Leeds United's promotion back to the Premier League was sealed.

Joseph has played second-fiddle to Joel Piroe for much of the season despite being the favourite to claim Leeds' number nine role, and has scored just three goals from his 37 Championship appearances.

Piroe's position as Daniel Farke's main striker was rubber-stamped in Leeds' 6-0 victory over Stoke City on Monday, with four first-half goals at Elland Road which included a hat-trick inside the first 20 minutes.

Burnley's subsequent 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor ensured that both they and Leeds will play Premier League football next term, and Joseph will be eager to cut his teeth at the highest level.

Piroe is both Leeds and the Championship's top scorer this season (Credit: Imago)
Piroe is both Leeds and the Championship's top scorer this season (Credit: Imago)

Mateo Joseph issues personal Leeds message as Gray duo react

Leeds' entire squad were front and centre of their promotion celebrations as Burnley's result filtered through at Elland Road, despite the likes of Joseph being consigned to the bench against Stoke.

layerAppearancesStartsGoalsAssists
Joel Piroe4935196
Patrick Bamford16000
Mateo Joseph391433
Leeds’ three current strikers won't be enough to keep them in the Premier League

Instead of a straight swap of Joseph for Piroe, as has often been the case, Farke brought on Patrick Bamford and 16-year-old striker Harry Gray, who became the youngest debutant of his family's dynasty.

Like his elder brother Archie, who joined Tottenham for £40million last summer, Harry Gray had been linked with a move to the North London side long before he featured in a matchday squad for Leeds.

Joseph said: "From chasing the dream to living it."

Leeds need striker upgrade ahead of Premier League return

With their Premier League place secure, Leeds' attention will switch to the summer transfer window, and their lulls in form this term have made clear that at least one top-level striker must arrive at Elland Road.

Football Insider revealed on 13 April that Leeds higher-ups don't see Piroe or Bamford as good enough to start in the Premier League, and while Joseph remains a raw talent, he's tarred with the same brush.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds plan to complete at least six new first-team transfers this summer, and the centre-foward role is a key area to strengthen.

Football Insider sources have already poured water on the prospect of Archie Gray making a return to Leeds this summer, but his younger brother could be in line to rise up the striker ranks at Elland Road.

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