Since it is anticipated that Vinicius Jr. will not return to action until February 2024, the attention has shifted to Joselu in order to fulfill Carlo Ancelotti’s expectations about the number of goals he will score.
As a result, the 33-year-old loanee from Espanyol has been able to perform anytime he has been called upon. His most recent appearance for the Spanish national team against Cyprus, in which he scored a goal and assisted on another, is something that the coaching staff at Real Madrid can be optimistic about.
It is important to recall that the attacker was brought to Madrid on loan during the summer of last year, and it was immediately apparent from the moment he made his debut during the preseason that he would not be content with playing a supporting position.
Appropriate for a challenging position
Joselu has made it clear that he intends to stay with Madrid beyond the conclusion of his loan, and his performance on the field demonstrates that he is committed to carrying out this determination.
As part of his remarkable record of 16 appearances throughout 17 matches across all competitions, Joselu has started seven games and finished four of them.
The 33-year-old has shown that he is capable of scoring goals, as he has scored five goals and provided two assists throughout his appearances. This is a noteworthy accomplishment. The first four of these five goals were scored at the illustrious Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, while the fifth goal was scored in a victory-filled encounter away from home against Girona.
During this outstanding effort, he not only scored but also assisted Jude Bellingham in achieving a victory by a score of 3-0.
His current form indicates that this milestone is within sight, and prospective chances against Napoli and Union Berlin might provide the perfect platform for him to make his imprint in the tournament. While he is still waiting for his first goal in the Champions League, his current form implies that this milestone is within reach.
More than simply goals, his impact is more than that.
It is not enough for Joselu to just score goals; this is especially seen in the attacking third, where he frequently places himself between the center backs throughout Madrid’s offensive plays. Joselu’s effect extends beyond merely scoring goals.
The fact that he is aware of his location not only helps to establish his presence, but it also provides teammates who are approaching the penalty box after him with close assistance.
The triumph that Real Madrid achieved in the Clasico was a demonstration of his considerable abilities. The club was able to extend the game, impose control over possession in the midfield, and finally establish domination over Barcelona as a result of his entrance as a replacement, which was accompanied by the efforts of Luka Modric.