Newcastle
Former Benitez signee is now “crucial” in the CL and comparable to Isak
Following his departure from St. James’ Park, this former Magpie has become a sensation…
Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid this week, notching his seventh goal since joining in a high-profile original £88.5 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund, but that goal was actually more closely related to Newcastle United than one might imagine.
The seasoned striker Joselu provided a tidy finish after the talented England international’s superb first-half ball. He was paying it forward.
The 20-year-old is currently the most sought-after player in all of football, making him more than just the talk of the town. But his growing connection with Joselu is one to see, especially considering the forward blossomed late after falling flat at St. James’ Park only several years ago.
Newcastle acquired Joselu when?
Joselu was acquired by Newcastle from Premier League rival Stoke City in 2017 for about £5 million. Manager Rafa Benitez stated that the striker, who was then 27 years old, will “fight for a position in the team”.
In his one season with the Potters in 2015–16, he had four goals and four assists for the team. He then spent the following season on loan with Deportivo La Coruna in his native Spain. Despite spending two seasons with the Magpies, he was unable to fully express his abilities.
What was Joselu’s impact at Newcastle?
The 33-year-old made 52 appearances over two seasons, but only managed to score seven goals and add two assists, hardly winning the Toon faithful’s favor.
The Spaniard’s average shots per game at St. James’ Park during his two league seasons were 1.6 and 1.1, respectively, according to WhoScored. However, his average pass success rate of 62.5% was pretty pitiful and indicative of his difficulties in securing a regular starting position and enhancing the fluidity.
It makes sense why he was sold to La Liga for barely €2 million (£1.7 million) following his second season, as United supporters lament the inability to maximize his potential on Tyneside.
How excellent is Joselu right now?
The talisman, who earns £42k per week, joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan in the summer from divisional rivals Espanyol. Given that he has already scored four goals and provided two assists in the top-flight while only making four starts, Carlo Ancelotti may have made one of the summer’s smartest moves.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
The six-cap Spain player (with four goals) had double-digit league scoring totals in each of the last four seasons in Spain, and after a strong start in the capital, he appears to be on his way to achieving so once more. Ancelotti has called him “crucial” to the effort.
It’s amazing to think that this once-lazy frontman now plays a key role at one of Europe’s most successful teams, matching Newcastle’s club-record £63 million center-forward Alexander Isak for league goals and surpassing him for assists this season (the Swede has scored four goals and yet to assist).
