Leeds United star backed to fire promotion bid amid January 'cost' warning

Mateo Joseph has been backed as the man to fire Leeds United's promotion charge - as long as Daniel Farke's side continue to supply him with chances.

The young Spaniard has been handed the responsibility of leading the line this season ahead of Joel Piroe, and with Patrick Bamford making his way back from injury. The 20-year-old has only scored once so far, the first in the 2-0 win over Hull City at the end of August, but there have been plenty of promising signs.

Fans were keen for Joseph to be handed a chance last season after he impressed during his brief opportunities - most notably the FA Cup defeat to Premier League Chelsea, which saw him score twice in the 3-2 loss at Stamford Bridge.

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Former Leeds United coach Gus Poyet feels the Whites have a tough challenge ahead of them, but has backed Farke's men for success, provided they stay on the front foot. And with strikers coming at a premium, particulary in the January transfer window, he insist Joseph can be the man to get the goals they need.

“It’s a tough task for Leeds," Poyet told Football League World. "But they still have a good squad, they still have a good manager, and Mateo Joseph can be the guy if Leeds continue to play positive football and create chances. It’s always good to have plenty of strikers, but top ones do come at a cost.”