Mateo Joseph is off to a great start this 2024-25 season with Leeds United, scoring a goal and registering two assists in just four Championship matches.
The 20-year-old also carried that form into the international break with Spain’s under-21 team, coming off the bench in the 66th minute to score the game-winner against Scotland
Joseph’s impressive start to the Championship season, coupled with a strong showing during the international break, has caught the attention of Spain’s national team manager, Luis de la Fuente.
According to a recent report from Spanish outlet Diario AS, de la Fuente has noted the Leeds striker’s progress this season. The report points out that Joseph plays in the position currently considered the weakest in the national team setup.
The reigning UEFA Euro champions are looking for a reliable striker for the 2026 World Cup. Joseph is in contention alongside FC Porto’s Samu Omorodion and Girona’s Abel Ruiz. However, AS suggests that Joseph is currently leading the race, with de la Fuente closely monitoring his development.
Mateo Joseph’s current form earns praise from pundit
Jobi McAnuff has praised a Leeds United youngster for stepping up and easing the impact of losing key attacking players like Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville. On the latest episode of the BBC’s 72+ Podcast, the former Championship standout noted that the youngster looks like a really ‘exciting’ player.
“Yes they lost the player we all felt were going to leave, but Mateo Joseph I think now is an exciting young prospect,” McAnuff said (h/t LeedsUnited.News). “He didn’t get a lot of game time last season.”
McAnuff isn’t the only person praising Joseph for his performance so far this season; his Leeds teammate Daniel James also spotlighted the professionalism the 20-year-old is showing.
“What gets me most about him is his aura,” James told The Second Tier podcast. “He wants to do better, he’s always staying out doing extras, he wants to be better, great professionalism.
“His work rate off the ball is second to none. He’s not lazy, he’s always working hard. You see him winning the ball back in full-back positions. You have to remind him to stay up front but he’s got that about him.”
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