Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat to Burnley on Saturday saw Daniel Farke’s side create chance after chance, but fail to find the back of the net – and Mateo Joseph rubbed salt in the wounds.
A second successive defeat despite having 19 attempts at goal, hitting the post, and boasting an XG north of 2.5. The fear of Leeds lacking the quality to score in the Premier League reared its ugly head again.
All eyes are now on Friday night for Daniel Farke’s men, with the Whites in desperate need of a result ahead of tricky away games against Brighton and Nottingham Forest before the November break.
Leeds’ defeat and their missed chances were a damning indictment of the club’s inability to bring in some much-needed attackers. But one they allowed to leave made it worse, scoring a brace on Saturday.
Mateo Joseph celebrates during Sevilla FC v RCD Mallorca - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Mateo Joseph nominated for La Liga award after Saturday brace
Mateo Joseph has struggled at Mallorca in Spain, after leaving Leeds on a dry loan to join the La Liga side. Before Saturday’s 3-1 win over Sevilla, Joseph had failed to score in seven games, laying on two assists.
But after coming on against Sevilla just after the hour mark with Mallorca trailing 1-0, Joseph scored twice as Mallorca came from behind to win 3-1. A brilliant win for Mallorca and finally, some goals for Joseph.
The accolades continue to come in for Joseph, who was praised by Spanish media. Indeed, Joseph is one of five players to be nominated for the U23 La Liga Player of the Month award for October.
Joseph has been nominated alongside four others, including Real Madrid superstar Arda Guler. Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios, Espanyol’s Clemens Riedel, and Villarreal star Moleiro have also been nominated.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
What Robbie Evans said about Mateo Joseph’s Mallorca loan
In the summer, Joseph forced his way out of Leeds. But Leeds were only willing to accept two courses of action for Joseph – either their price tag was met ahead of a permanent deal, or a loan with no clauses.
Interested parties wanted a loan with a permanent clause. But Mallorca offered a dry loan, and Joseph is back in Spain. It allows Leeds to reap the benefits of Joseph’s loan spell. If he shines, his value goes up.
Either he can return as a better player and reintegrate himself with Farke’s side, or be sold for a bigger fee. Evans said: “Every team that was trying to take him on loan was requiring a buy option.
Mateo Joseph in action during Sevilla FC v RCD Mallorca - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“We simply said there’s no way you’re getting an option. Our hope is he has a phenomenal season at Mallorca and comes back. He’s a favourite of the club and the chairman and so we hope he does great.”
Joseph has three years remaining on his Leeds contract, and while he would represent pure profit when sold, it remains unclear what his future holds when he returns to Elland Road at the end of the season.