Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph has played for both England and Spain at youth level.

Fermin Lopez reacts to what Leeds United star Mateo Joseph did this week

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

11 Sep 2024, 7:10 am

Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph was congratulated by Barcelona rising star Fermin Lopez after he shined for Spain under-21s this week.

Joseph posted on Instagram (11 September) following a successful period away with his country, in which he scored the winning goal against Scotland and played in a 1-0 win over Hungary.

The two victories confirmed La Roja's qualification for the 2025 Under-21 European Championships, with Joseph taking to social media to celebrate.

Lopez, who now plays for Barcelona and the senior Spanish side, commented on the post with three applause emojis, showing his appreciation for Joseph on international duty.

Mateo Joseph bang in-form ahead of Leeds United return

The Whites had 11 first-team players out on international duty during the break, but few made an impact quite like Joseph, scoring the winner against Scotland just three minutes after coming off the bench.

That clinical finish will have whet the appetites of United fans, who saw the young Spaniard net his first league goal in Leeds colours with the opener against Hull City in their last Championship match.

Mateo Joseph will be hoping to continue his scoring form as Leeds United face Burnley on 14 September

Although Joel Piroe came off the bench to seal the win with a well-taken finish of his own against Hull, the number nine role is Joseph's to lose at the moment – and he's showing no signs of slowing down.

The 20-year-old had already registered two assists before opening his goalscoring account at Elland Road, and with a further strike on international duty, his form is approaching white-hot.

Daniel Farke may have had concerns over players like Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto playing so late in the international break, but in Joseph, the German has a striker who he can invest full confidence in.

In other Leeds United news, the club’s ownership could be getting their priorities all wrong after reports of one player’s new contract.

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