AliousMateo Joseph, the young Leeds United striker, has been making waves in the football world with his exceptional performances in the 2024-25 season.
The 20-year-old forward has hit the ground running in the Championship, demonstrating his prowess with an impressive tally of one goal and two assists in just four matches.
This remarkable start to the season has not only bolstered Leeds United’s campaign but has also caught the attention of football pundits and national team selectors alike.
Joseph’s stellar form didn’t wane during the international break.
Representing Spain’s under-21 team, he made a significant impact despite coming off the bench. In a crucial match against Scotland, Joseph was introduced in the 66th minute and promptly scored the decisive goal, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in Spanish football.
The young striker’s consistent performances have not gone unnoticed at the highest levels of Spanish football.
Luis de la Fuente, the manager of Spain’s senior national team, has been keeping a close eye on Joseph’s progress.
According to a report from the respected Spanish publication Diario AS, de la Fuente has been particularly impressed with Joseph’s development this season. This interest is especially significant given that the striker position is currently considered the weakest link in Spain’s national team setup.
As the reigning UEFA Euro champions, Spain is on the hunt for a reliable striker to lead their attack in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Joseph finds himself in an enviable position, competing for this coveted role alongside other promising talents such as FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion and Girona’s Abel Ruiz. However, the AS report suggests that Joseph may currently be leading this race, with de la Fuente closely monitoring his performances and development.
Joseph’s impact at Leeds United has not only caught the eye of national team selectors but has also earned him praise from respected figures in English football.
Jobi McAnuff, a former Championship standout and current pundit, recently highlighted Joseph’s contributions on the BBC’s 72+ Podcast.
McAnuff commended the young striker for stepping up and helping to mitigate the loss of key attacking players like Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville. The pundit described Joseph as an “exciting young prospect,” noting the significant strides he has made since last season when he saw limited playing time.
The praise for Joseph extends beyond pundits to his own teammates at Leeds United.
Daniel James, speaking on The Second Tier podcast, offered insights into Joseph’s character and work ethic that go beyond his on-field performances. James was particularly impressed by Joseph’s “aura” and his relentless drive for self-improvement. He highlighted Joseph’s dedication to extra training sessions and his strong desire to continually better himself, traits that James sees as indicative of great professionalism.
James also emphasized Joseph’s exceptional work rate, both on and off the ball. He described the young striker’s tireless efforts to win back possession, even in defensive positions, as “second to none.” This commitment to team play and defensive contribution is so pronounced that James noted they sometimes have to remind Joseph to stay in more advanced positions.
These testimonials from both pundits and teammates paint a picture of a young player who not only possesses natural talent but also demonstrates the work ethic, professionalism, and team-first attitude that are crucial for long-term success in professional football. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mateo Joseph to see if he can maintain this impressive form and potentially earn a call-up to the Spanish senior national team, marking another significant milestone in his rapidly ascending career.
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