Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph opened his account for Spain at the U21 European Championships on Wednesday evening in Slovakia, as Spain left it late to beat the hosts 3-2.
Joseph may have struggled for goals at Leeds this season, with the striker managing to net just three. But for Spain’s U21 side, he has been on fire – Wednesday’s effort his seventh for the 21’s during 2024-25.
A real striker’s goal, Joseph got on the end of a cross with some excellent movement that left Slovakia’s defence looking rather static. His goal put Spain 2-0 up on the night, but Slovakia pegged them back.
Going into injury time, it looked like the hosts would secure a surprise 2-2 draw – only for Valencia star Cesar Tarrega to score a header from a corner. A crucial win that almost guarantees a knockout place.
Spain fans discuss Mateo Joseph after he scored for the 21’s
That is now Joseph’s eighth goal in 11 U21 caps for his country, having swapped England for Spain after representing The Young Lions. In the meantime, Joseph’s future at Leeds is under intense scrutiny.
Real Betis are back in for Joseph after having a £10m bid rejected in January. Reports from Spain say that Leeds and Betis are in talks over a £6.75m deal, but a move that sees Leeds retain 20% of a future sale.
Plenty going on for Joseph at the moment, then. Spain fans took to social media to discuss the Leeds striker after his goal and Spain’s late win, and many are very impressed with the “amazing” forward.
According to @talento20espanol, Joseph was “amazing” and his “movement is top-notch”, claiming Joseph suits the senior side. @manu_colchon was impressed by how he “got between the centre-backs”.
Another Spanish fan @adrianblanco_ said that Joseph was a “very interesting striker” with the Leeds star “dominating the box”. @maarquellada said he isn’t the next “Ronaldo Nazario” but has huge potential.
Joseph is rated highly in Spanish football despite his season with Leeds, and @ju_garciia03 thinks Joseph is “the future”. Another in @gremio5 simply said Joseph’s “movement” for the goal was “very good”.
When Mateo Joseph will do battle against Willy Gnonto…
Joseph is not the only player Leeds will have an eye on at the U21 Euros. Willy Gnonto was in action for Italy on Wednesday too, as Italy’s youngsters limped to a 1-0 win over Romania, who missed a penalty.
Archie Gray will be in action for England, while Leeds may also keep an eye on Nathaniel Brown with Germany who is said to be a transfer target. Joseph and Gnonto have been drawn in the same group.
On Saturday, Spain take on Romania and Italy face Slovakia before Gnonto and Joseph then do battle on Tuesday night in the final group game ahead of the knockout rounds. They are among the favourites.
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