Mateo Joseph says he is aware he needs to be more prolific but is refusing to place undue pressure on himself amid his goal frustrations.

The Leeds United striker has not scored since mid-October and failed to find the net against League Two Harrogate Town in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie, having played the full 90 minutes. The 21-year-old has featured in every Championship match this season but has only started three league fixtures since the start of November.

More focus is being placed on Joseph amid Patrick Bamford’s hamstring injury, which will sideline him until the end of January. And while Joe Gelhardt had not played since October 1, his loan to Hull City means Daniel Farke has one less striker to turn to. Joel Piroe might be set to return this weekend having sat out the FA Cup clash with a minor concern, but his absence on Saturday highlighted the onus that is on Joseph when other fellow attackers are not available.

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The player himself is aware of his tally of just two goals this season but believes more will soon come. “I want more goals, definitely,” Joseph told SportsBoom. "But at the same time I don’t have to be too hard on myself, because even when you watch teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid, even the best strikers in the world miss good chances.

“Every situation is different, but I’m just going to keep going because the goals have always come. The goals will come, for sure, with the work that I do. I’m confident of that. I’m going to keep the head relaxed and do my thing.”

Joseph has only started 11 Championship games this season but he has underlined that he is enjoying the campaign with Leeds top of the table. However, he admitted he still has growth to fill.

Joseph added: “I’m really enjoying the season, playing at a club like Leeds is great. I’m enjoying every moment, but I believe I can still improve a lot of things. But I’m just enjoying the process and enjoying the team’s form, we are in a good moment and just need to keep going."

Joseph hailed manager Farke’s training methods and his demand for high levels, which he believes is producing its fruit. “He’s [Farke] really good. In training he’s always focused on the attention to detail,” the attacker explained.

“Whether it’s a pass or a touch, he demands a lot. I think you can see that on the pitch because the team is doing well. A lot of players have improved with him, and everyone is happy because everything is going well. But we have to stay positive and keep working. He had good experience in this division, so every time he says something it nearly always happens.

“In home and away games it usually does, he’s won this division twice, so we have to keep going and listen to what he says, for sure.”