| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Federico Bessone Luna | ||
| Date of birth | 23 January 1984 | ||
| Place of birth | Córdoba, Argentina | ||
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in) | ||
| Playing position | Left back | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Swansea City | ||
| Number | 20 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2003–2005 | Barcelona C | 50 | (1) |
| 2005–2008 | Espanyol B | 65 | (1) |
| 2007–2008 | → Gimnàstic (loan) | 10 | (0) |
| 2008–2010 | Swansea City | 36 | (1) |
| 2010–2011 | Leeds United | 6 | (0) |
| 2011 | → Charlton Athletic (loan) | 13 | (0) |
| 2011– | Swansea City | 1 | (0) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 16:13, 17 September 2011 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). |
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Federico "Fede" Bessone Luna (born 23 January 1984) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Welsh team Swansea City after re-joining the club from Leeds United as a left back.[1]
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Born in Córdoba, but raised in the small town of Artesa de Segre in the Lleida province in Catalonia, Bessone began his professional career in 2003 with Spanish team Barcelona B, playing in the same team as Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi.[2] Bessone later played for Catalan rivals Espanyol B, and had a loan spell at Segunda División side and fellow Catalan club Gimnàstic.
Bessone signed for Welsh team Swansea City on a free transfer in June 2008 from Espanyol by manager Roberto Martinez.[3] Bessone has an Italian passport so no work permit was required. Bessone gave away a penalty which was converted by Ross McCormack in the 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.[4] On 20 November 2009, Bessone scored his first goal for Swansea in a 1–0 win over League rivals Derby County, helping Swansea climb to third in the Championship, the highest position they have reached in over 26 years.[5] After Garry Monk was injured in the warm up, Bessone came into the side a late replacement against rivals Swansea City and became a key figure in the match, Bessone provided an assist for Darren Pratley who scored Swansea's second goal, Bessone then also assisted Darren Pratley for the winner in the 3-2 victory over bitter rivals Cardiff City.[6]
After an impressive, but injury plagued second season at Swansea under new manager Paulo Sousa, Bessone started just 22 league games for them, playing his part in Swansea eventually finishing 7th in the Championship, missing out on the final playoff spot by one point to Blackpool who eventually won the playoffs. After the 2009–10 season finished Bessone was offered a new deal at Swansea but turned it down in favour of joining Leeds.[7]
Bessone signed for Leeds United on a 3 year deal on 16 June 2010, becoming the club's fourth signing of the summer.[8] Leeds manager Simon Grayson said of Bessone "I watched him last year. He's very comfortable on the ball and is a very good acquisition."[7] Bessone joins fellow Argentine Luciano Becchio already at Leeds. The Argentine pair both played as youngsters in Barcelona's ranks.
He made his Leeds debut in the first game of the season against Derby County on the 7th August 2010 which ended in a 2–1 defeat. Bessone's error vs Millwall led to Richard Naylor scoring an own goal.[9] He came off at half time with an injury in the match against Watford and was replaced by Andy Hughes, but after recovering from injury during the international break he faced his former club Swansea City in a 2–1 comeback win for Leeds. Bessone's error vs Barnsley led to Garry O'Connor scoring for Barnsley, Bessone was promptly substituted early in the second half after a poor performance.[10] For the following game against Doncaster Rovers Bessone was omitted from the Leeds squad completely with Aidan White replacing him at left back.[11] 23 September, Bessone's first team place looked in further jeopardy when Leeds signed Northern Ireland international left back George McCartney on loan from Premier League side Sunderland.[12]
Charlton signed Federico Bessone on loan on 31 January 2011 for the remainder of the 2010-11 season with the option to buy the player permanently in the summer.[13] Bessone made his debut for Charlton against Colchester United.[14] During his loan spell Bessone gave an honest interview where he admitted he was disappointed in his own performances in his 8 games for Leeds.[15] In total Bessone played 13 games for Charlton, where he impressed. Ken Bates announced on 12 May that Bessone was transfer listed by Leeds with Charlton linked with a permanent deal for the left back.[16][17] However with Charlton signing left back Cedric Evina it looked like their interest in Bessone had ended.[18]
Despite being on the transfer list, Manager Simon Grayson said Bessone might still have a future at Leeds United if he is able to prove himself as the player the club thought they signed originally.[19] Bessone was named in Leeds' squad on their pre season tour of Scotland which was a big chance for Bessone to play himself back into the clubs plans.[20] Bessone failed to make a single appearance for Leeds during the pre season due to injury. He was picked for a reserve Leeds side to play against Farsley Celtic.[21]
31 August Leeds released Bessone from his contract by mutual consent and he joined his former side Swansea City.[22]
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