Spanish newspapers react as Leeds United ace Mateo Joseph goes goal crazy on international duty

Spanish media have waxed lyrical of Mateo Joseph after the Leeds United gem scored a hat-trick on international duty.

The 20-year-old made his first start for Spain Under-21s in their 4-3 win against Kazakhstan on Thursday (10 October) and marked the occasion by netting thrice in the first half.

Joseph staked a claim to usurp Samu Omorodion as the team's first-choice striker under Santi Denia, with Spanish media singing praises of him.

Spanish newspaper AS (10 October) was slick in their assessment of the striker's performance, writing on their website: "Nephew of former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey, Joseph has goals in his veins."

El Diario Montanes (10 October) used an unusual metaphor to describe the Leeds United sensation's display and wrote: "Mateo Joseph returned to the Spanish under-21 team after Santi Denia left him out of the Paris Olympics. And the Camargo native protested by going on a Japanese-style strike."

OK Diario (10 October), meanwhile, wrote: "Mateo Joseph is in fashion in the Spanish under-21 team. The Spanish forward has already scored five goals in three games with the team managed by Santi Denia. Great numbers for a forward who is showing that he is ready for great heights."

ElDesmarque (11 October) penned: "He is powerful and fast, and has good positioning inside the area to 'hunt' goals. His letter of introduction came this Thursday, at the Municipal de La Linea."

Leeds United must star Mateo Joseph after his international exploits

It must be noted that Joseph's hat-trick performance has come days after Daniel Farke dropped him from the Leeds United starting lineup.

The Spaniard has now given Farke a huge selection headache ahead of the Whites' game against Sheffield United next Friday (18 October).

Joseph will be high on confidence after his exploits with Spain Under-21s and deserves to be put back in the Leeds first XI.

He will, meanwhile, look to add more goals to his tally when Santi Deni's side lock horns with Malta Under-21s on Tuesday (15 October).

There is no doubt that the youngster is enjoying his time at Elland Road, having sworn allegiance to the club this week.

With Leeds pushing for promotion, it is important that the forward continues to fire on all cylinders throughout the season.

He has notably not scored for the club since their 2-0 win against Hull City in August.

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