BY G9IJA
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Joselu Mato of RCD Espanyol celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Joselu may have only found the net seven times during an underwhelming two-season spell at St James’ Park, but the forward has enjoyed a remarkable revival in Spain.
Since leaving Newcastle in 2019, Joselu has scored 49 goals in 139 appearances for Alaves and Espanyol combined. Joselu has hit an impressive 13 goals during his debut campaign with Espanyol this term, and is just two goals shy of surpassing his personal record for goals scored in a single season.
And his blistering form in La Liga has earned him his first international call-up at the age of 32. Joselu had represented Spain on 16 occasions at youth level, but has never broke into the senior set-up until now.
According to The Sun, Joselu will become the youngest player to make his debut for Spain since 2006 at the age of 32 years and 363 days if he features against Norway on Saturday night.
He could also have another opportunity to make his international bow when Spain travel to Hampden Park to face Scotland on Tuesday.
Joselu is the joint-third leading goal scorer in the Spanish top-flight and is just three goals behind leading goal scorer and FC Barcelona forward Roberto Lewandowski (15 goals).