The latest 2-0 away win against Getafe helped Real Madrid reclaim the top spot from the phenomenon of Girona. In that victory, Joselu scored both goals to help Los Blancos triumph. Those were the 11th and 12th times Joselu scored goals this season, a very impressive statistic considering his age of 33 and his transfer price of only 500,000 Euros.
“For me, up to now, everything still seems like a dream. I am standing here playing for Real Madrid. I am proud of what I am trying to contribute to living in passion like a child. So young” – Joselu told Real Madrid TV after the victory against Getafe.
If you look at the past, Joselu was also considered a “homegrown chicken” of Real Madrid but did not leave much of an impression. The veteran striker was previously a member of Real Madrid Castilla for three years. Before this official return, Joselu had appeared twice in the past for Los Blancos, even scoring 2 goals but not leaving much of an impression. The reason is because in previous years “White Vulture” had so many of the world’s top superstars, it was difficult to find room for “ordinary” people like Joselu.
After leaving Real Madrid Castilla, Joselu’s career went through a very long and winding period to have the opportunity to reunite with Los Blancos. He spent a long time playing football in Germany and England before returning to Spain to join Espanyol. The contract between the two sides is only a loan for 1 season but has a buyout clause for only 1.5 million Euros. With current contributions, it is not surprising that at the end of the season, Joselu will be able to stay at the Bernabeu.
In the formation Carlo Ancelotti has often used since the beginning of the season (4-4-2), the pair Vinicius and Rodrygo will play the striker role and Joselu will play the reserve role. Even with that role, the 33-year-old striker still knows how to prove his value when given the opportunity. Every time he needed a center forward to drill through the opponent’s concrete defense, Ancelotti used the Spanish veteran.
Vinicius’ injury in the past few weeks has helped Joselu get more playing time. After the win against Getafe, he has played 1,412 minutes for Real Madrid this season. The 33-year-old star’s scoring efficiency is 1/119 minutes. If you add in assists (4), on average every 89 minutes on the field, Joselu is involved in a home team goal.
Although he is not labeled Galaticos like many other teammates, Joselu is proving more effective than the club’s young stars. The three top attacking stars of the Bernabeu team, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham, have a scoring performance of 1 goal after 145, 199 and 134 minutes.
It cannot be said that Joselu is better than his young teammates, but he is proving himself to be the best reserve star on the “Vultures” attack line for many years. When looking back at cases like Mariano Diaz or Luka Jovic, Joselu stands out and is more effective than everyone.
One of Joselu’s strengths that Carlo Ancelotti is taking advantage of is his aerial ability. Possessing an impressive height of 1.9m, Joselu is Los Blancos’ tallest attacking star, often threatening opponents’ defenses in set situations. The opening goal in the recent match against Getafe is a very typical example. If he had been luckier, Joselu could have had a hat-trick when he had another very dangerous aerial opportunity in the second half.
“He is having a very good season. Joselu is always ready to play and burn from the first minute. Besides, everyone can see that this is a humble and serious person in his work. Real Madrid is very happy when owning such a player.
Joselu is making great efforts to stay at Real Madrid (after rumors of moving to the Saudi Pro League at the end of the season). He is a blessing for the club” – Ancelotti shared.
Although Ancelotti is not necessarily the one to make the final decision on Joselu’s case, with his current performances, Real Madrid’s “popular star” is confident that he can convince owner Florentino Perez to spend another 1 year. Another .5 million Euro to keep him at least until the end of next season.
