Leeds United Qualified to the fourth round of FA Cup on Saturday following a 1-0 win over League Two side Harrogate Town at Elland Road.
The Whites achieved victory thanks to Larji Ramadani's goal in the second half, who headed in a cross from Manor Solomon, as the team struggled to penetrate the lower league side for most of the match.
It was far from a perfect performance Daniel WakePerhaps the German team and the German coach were not satisfied with some individual performances from some fringe players who needed to step up.
One of the Leeds players who did not take advantage of his great opportunity to shine is center forward Mathieu Joseph, in the absence of Joel Piro and Patrick Bamford.
Matthew Joseph Leeds Struggles
The Spain Under-21 international had the opportunity to show Farke that he deserved more minutes and starts in the tournament in the second half of the season, but he failed to capitalise.
Journalist Adam Pope praised the striker's effort during the match, but described… His performance as a “waste”Which has been a recurring theme for him this season.
LeedsLive awarded him an A Rating 5/10 for its presentation He pointed out that the striker “suffers” physically from Harrogate's three defenders.
|
Championship 24/25 |
Matthew Joseph |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
26 |
|
It starts |
11 |
|
xG |
4.30 |
|
Objectives |
2 |
|
Great opportunities were missed |
6 |
As you can see in the table above, the academy graduate has been incredibly profligate in the second tier this season, underperforming by more than two goals below his tally.
It has been a consistent problem for the striker and one that has prevented him from being a regular starter ahead of Berwe, and this latest 'wasteful' display means Farke must certainly enter the market to sign Merjim Berisha.
Why should Leeds sign Merjim Berisha?
This was recently reported Leeds are interested in the deal To sign the Hoffenheim striker, who could be available on an 18-month loan with the option to make him a permanent transfer next year.
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Berisha, which has been described as “Clinical finishing“By Football Chatters analysts only Five matches started In the German League since the beginning of last season due to a cruciate ligament injury in 2023.
the £56,000 per week The striker's form before the long break suggests the quality is there for him to come in and offer more to the club's promotion push than Joseph in the second half of the season, if Farke can help him return to his best. .
In the 2022/23 season of the German League, the German international player He scored nine goals Of 8.13 xG in 23 matches for Augsburg, which shows his ability as a finisher in a major European league.
If Leeds can conclude a loan deal for the 26-year-old goalscorer, he could be an excellent addition to the squad, provided the striker can return to form in 2022/23 by playing regular football again.
Joseph's performance against Harrogate, and his performances in the Championship overall, suggest that a new striker may be needed and Berisha looks to fit the bill.
