Football fans were left stunned as Joselu, a former Premier League flop, scored two goals in just a few minutes on his debut for Spain, breaking a 17-year record. The forward had struggled to make an impact during his time in England, enduring two unconvincing years at Stoke City before struggling again at Newcastle. However, he has managed to turn his career around in Spain, performing at such a high level that he received his first call-up to the national team at the age of 32.
After replacing Alvaro Morata off the bench, Joselu made Spanish history by becoming the oldest debutant for Spain since September 2006. But he didn’t stop there, scoring twice after being subbed on in the 81st minute in the Euros qualification game against Norway. With Spain already leading 1-0 thanks to Dani Olmo, Joselu needed just minutes to score his first senior international goal as he latched onto a cross and converted a brilliant back post header. He was mobbed by his teammates after his goal.
But things would get even better just two minutes later as fellow sub Mikel Oyarzabal was released and had his shot saved by Norway’s keeper. There again was Joselu to jump onto the loose ball and complete his dream debut. Fans were left in awe of a man who could not cut it in the Premier League but now appears to be a star of club and country.
Joselu’s turnaround has been impressive, with one fan commenting, “This guy couldn’t even pass the ball into a wide-open net at Newcastle. What a turnaround.” Another added, “Age is just a number btw.” While one Newcastle fan said, “Literally one of the most limited, inept strikers I’ve seen play. Some turn around, fair play.”
Others couldn’t help but compare Joselu to Norway’s main man Erling Haaland, who was forced to withdraw from the squad with injury. One joked that Joselu was “better than Haaland,” while another said simply, “Joselu > Haaland.”
Joselu is now the first-choice striker for Spanish side Espanyol, with 12 goals in 23 La Liga games this season. His impressive form has earned him a call-up to the national team and a place in the record books. It just goes to show that sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to turn things around.