Not a single soul on planet earth will be surprised to learn which name currently sits atop of La Liga’s goalscoring charts heading into the World Cup break. If there were any doubts about whether Robert Lewandowski could bring his Bayern Munich best to a Barcelona side in transition, they have been emphatically and ruthlessly dispelled by a tally of 13 goals in just 13 starts.
The identity of the two players Lewandowski is currently battling for ownership of the Pichichi trophy, however, will raise an eyebrow or two.
Joselu; the one-time Newcastle United and Stoke City misfit. And Vedat Muriqi; a striker who, before joining Real Mallorca for a club-record £7 million, had scored twice in 49 games for Lazio.
That Muriqi is now being labelled ‘Mallorca’s signing of the century’ should betray the fact that the hulking Kosovo international is finding goals earlier to come by in Spain than he did in Italy.
‘Budget Haaland’ Vedat Muriqi showing Leeds United what they’re missing in La Liga
“He looks to be a budget version of Erling Haaland!” Spanish football expert Terry Gibson said after Muriqi dragged Mallorca to safety last season before joining permanently in the summer, speaking on El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
“What a signing. Mallorca are a really well-run club but needed strengthening up front. He’s dynamic, he’s pretty quick as well, really powerful. Sensational. Massive impact.”
Muriqi, who was the subject of a similar loan-to-buy bid from Leeds United before moving to Mallorca ten months ago (La Lazio Siamo Noi), has certainly picked up where he left off in 2022/23.
A close-range tap-in during the 1-0 midweek win over Atletico Madrid was his eighth goal in 12 games. In his last five matches, Muriqi has five goals, one assist and even a red card. For better or, occasionally, for worse, the former Fenerbahce targetman always makes sure to leave his stamp on proceedings.
How Leeds United could do with a player like him; Patrick Bamford’s ongoing injury issues threatening to turn this season into another nerve-shredding scrap against the drop.
“This guy landed on his feet,” Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre tells Diario AS of his brawny, bearded number nine.
“People love him, but it is impossible not to love that ugly scoundrel. As big as he is, he has a huge heart.”
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