Leeds United boast a prestigious academy that has produced some top talent, and with another young starlet waiting to break through, Jesse Marsch might be thanking his lucky stars as the pressure on him continues to mount.

With his currently misfiring striker, he might have a readymade replacement for Patrick Bamford who can come in and alleviate some of the offensive burden he is so often forced to uphold.

That man is 19-year-old Mateo Joseph, who is currently in blistering form for the youth team.

Saturday marked his third hat trick just this season, as he has been instrumental in his side’s unbeaten run in the Premier League 2.

The Spaniard boasts 11 goals and one assist in just eight games, which has seen many supporters call for his inclusion in the first team.

Meanwhile, Bamford has yet to score or assist this campaign.

Marsch’s side currently sits in the relegation zone, having scored just 13 goals from 11 games. Over the past few years, they have always turned to the 29-year-old to fire them to safety, yet during his injury-hit campaign last year, his absence nearly resulted in their relegation.

They cannot be solely reliant on the Englishman, and with a youngster in such hot form, it is only natural to consider promoting him.

Especially when Crysencio Summerville has already made the step up, outlining how the American is open to giving those who excel their chance.

Joseph has been working hard for the opportunity too, as U21s manager Michael Skubala hailed his professionalism as well as his talent.

He said: “He’s come in and out a little bit but he’s been training like a warrior and you can see that in his game… he’s got that energy and desire and we saw that in his goals and his finishing. He’s a threat for any defence.”

For a side lacking any real impetus and seemingly stuck in a rut, it can sometimes take an injection of freshness and youth to burst the rest of the team into life.

Marsch needs to try something, or he could be the next manager to be relieved of his duties.

Joseph clearly has the talents needed to succeed, and if he is given a chance, could be the answer to his prayers of finally replacing Bamford.