Luciano Becchio

Luciano Becchio
Personal information
Full name Luciano Héctor Becchio[1]
Date of birth 28 December 1983 (1983-12-28) (age 28)
Place of birth Córdoba, Argentina
Height 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)
Playing position Striker
Club information
Current club Leeds United
Number 10
Youth career
2002–2003 Boca Juniors
Senior career*
Years Team Apps† (Gls)†
2002–2003 Boca Juniors 0 (0)
2003–2005 Mallorca B 29 (5)
2004–2005 → Ciudad Murcia (loan) 16 (3)
2005–2006 Terrassa 24 (2)
2006–2007 Barcelona B 10 (0)
2006–2008 Mérida 50 (28)
2008– Leeds United 144 (53)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 15:45, 31 December 2011 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Luciano Héctor Becchio (born 28 December 1983) is an Argentine footballer who plays for Leeds United as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors before moving to Europe on an Italian passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.

He moved to England in the summer of 2008, signing for Leeds United after impressing the club's management during a trial period on a pre-season tour of Ireland.[2] He has since gone on to score over 50 goals for the Yorkshire club.

Contents

Career

Early career

Born in Córdoba, Becchio started his career at Boca Juniors in Argentina, playing in their youth teams, where he would train with fellow youth players such as Carlos Tevez. But after failing to make a first team appearance for Boca, Becchio tried his luck in Spain where he was joined by his parents who sold the family's Mexican restaurant and moved to Europe with his younger brother Mathias. He was known simply as Luciano in Spain. He was signed by Real Mallorca coach Héctor Cúper from Boca Juniors and placed in the B team at Real Mallorca, in his second season Becchio was loaned out to Ciudad de Murcia (who have been subsequently re-named Granada 74).

After leaving Mallorca, he joined Catalonia club Terrassa FC before joining European giants FC Barcelona. During his season at FC Barcelona B, Becchio had to compete with Bojan Krkić and Giovani dos Santos for places up front, both of whom went on to make the Barcelona first team.[3] He became renowned as a lower-league talisman, scoring 28 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions,[4] with 22 of his goals scored in the Segunda División B for Mérida UD during the 2007–08 season. Luciano finished the season as Spain's Segunda División B top scorer, with six goals coming in the last four games, including a hat-trick on the final day against CD Baza.[5] Becchio's goals also saw Mérida UD finish in 4th place and qualify for the playoffs, however they lost out on aggregate to Ponferradina over 2 legs in the playoffs.[6] After Mérida UD hit financial problems, they had to sell Becchio to raise some funding to help cover their debts.[7]

Leeds United

2008–09 season

In July 2008, he joined League One side Leeds United on trial aiming to impress manager Gary McAllister in pre-season friendlies against Shelbourne and Barnet.[8] He was recommended to Leeds scout Gwyn Williams by former Spanish Newcastle defender Marcelino.[9] On 31 July, he signed for Leeds on a three-year contract.[10] He made his first start for Leeds in their 5–2 win over Chester City in the first round of the League Cup.[11] He was given his first league start against Yeovil Town in a 1–1 draw; in which it took him just 25 seconds to score his first Leeds goal.[12] He scored his second goal for the club in his first start at Elland Road in a 4–0 victory over Crystal Palace in the League Cup.[13] The following week, he came off the bench to head home his third Leeds goal in the 2–1 win over local rivals Bradford City in the Football League Trophy.[14]

During the 2008–09 season, Becchio only missed one match in all competitions, which was due to suspension. In a sequence of appearances which saw him start 24 consecutive matches – including the entire busy Christmas period and while deputising for the injured Jermaine Beckford – he scored nine goals. With the loan signing of Lee Trundle from Bristol City, and the January transfer window signing of Mike Grella, manager Simon Grayson publicly stated that Becchio would be given a short resting period so that he would be ready for the vital last few months of the season,[15] although that never materialised as Becchio was insistent on retaining his place in the team. Grayson frequently referred to Becchio as Lazarus due to various points in the season where he would be injured but would make a remarkable recovery to be fit and ready for the next match. In the final game of the season he scored his 18th goal of the season in all competitions, which in turn contributed to the relegation of Northampton Town.[16] His 19th of the season came against Millwall in the League One play-off semi-final, in which he rounded off a fine team move started by Ben Parker, with Beckford and Andy Robinson also playing vital roles.[17] He scored 19 goals in his debut season in English football at Leeds.

2009–10 season

Becchio scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season in the 1–0 league win against Wycombe Wanderers.[18] He had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside in the League Cup tie against Liverpool; replays showed that he was onside as Beckford flicked on Ľubomír Michalík's headed pass.[19] He missed the game against Milton Keynes Dons as his wife was due to give birth.[20] Becchio and his wife welcomed their first daughter named Bianca who was born on 27 September 2009 at the Leeds General Infirmary. He picked up a serious ankle injury in the game against Charlton Athletic, when he stepped on the ball whilst controlling it from a high pass, and had to be substituted.[21] Radio Leeds believed Becchio might have broken his ankle, although the club were waiting to have a second scan on his ankle after the swelling went down. The scan showed that he had suffered ligament damage to his ankle, according to Leeds assistant manager Ian Miller. Becchio did not play for the Leeds first team again until late November. In his absence Leeds signed Welsh International striker Sam Vokes on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until 2 January 2010 as cover.[22]

On 25 November 2009, Becchio returned from injury and played in Leeds' reserve team game against Lincoln City, to help boost his match fitness.[23] Becchio scored a goal in a 2–1 victory and also managed to get a full 90 minutes under his belt. He returned for the first team as a substitute in the FA Cup second round draw with Kettering Town. Two days later, he came on as a substitute against Oldham Athletic and scored his first goal since his long layoff, this his third of the season. He returned to Leeds' starting lineup in the league at the expense of Sam Vokes against Brentford. His fifth goal of the season was a header against Hartlepool United on boxing day, which took a heavy deflection.[24]

Becchio played against Premier League team Manchester United when Leeds won 1–0 away at Old Trafford on 3 January 2010 in the FA Cup third round, but he picked up an injury and was substituted in stoppage time.[25] Becchio struggled for goals for Leeds since returning from injury, with him being asked to play in more of a deeper strikers role to hold the ball up for the midfield. Against Tottenham Hotspur Becchio was dropped to the bench and replaced up front by Robert Snodgrass, although he later came on in the second half after replacing midfielder Michael Doyle as Leeds earned a replay against the Premier League side. Becchio's sixth goal of the season for Leeds came in the FA Cup replay against Tottenham, after Beckford's shot was parried by Heurelho Gomes and it fell into the path of Becchio who slotted it into the back of the net.[26] Goals number seven and eight for Becchio came in the following game against Hartlepool. This was the first double he scored in a competitive match for Leeds.

Becchio disputably scored his ninth goal of the season with an injury time equaliser coming against Leyton Orient when his goalbound shot was deflected in by Orient defender Charlie Daniels; the goal was credited to Daniels but Becchio said he felt the goal should be his as his shot was goalbound. Becchio scored another two goals against Oldham, taking his tally to 10 goals for the season. He continued his fine goal scoring form when he scored his 11th goal of the season in the Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town, with the game finishing 2–2.[27] Goal number 12 of the season came against Tranmere Rovers, with Becchio scoring with a diving header.

Becchio was substituted early on in the first half against Norwich City after being knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with Michael Nelson.[28] Becchio's head also landed heavily on the ground which caused him to swallow his tongue. He was substituted by Mike Grella and due to the injury was ruled out against Swindon Town.

Becchio returned from injury for Leeds when he was named on the bench against Southend United and managed to score his 13th goal of the season in the 83rd minute after he replaced Beckford as a substitute in Leeds' 2–0 win. Goals number 14 and 15 came when Becchio scored a brace against Carlisle United. Becchio scored his 16th of the season with a goal against Gillingham in Leeds 3–2 defeat. Becchio's 17th goal came against MK Dons in Leeds' 4–1 win. Becchio played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing in 2nd place in League One and thus earning automatic promotion.[29]

2010–11 season

Becchio started the opening game and scored Leeds' 1st goal of the Championship season against Derby County and slotted in an equaliser after a run by Jonny Howson, however Leeds lost 2–1.[30] Becchio's second goal of the season came in Leeds' second match of the season in the Carling Cup against Lincoln City. Becchio scored his 3rd goal of the season in the match against Swansea City. Despite being dropped for the game against Doncaster, he returned to the side in the yorkshire derby vs Sheffield United as Leeds ran out 1–0 winners.[31] Becchio scored his 4th goal of the season against Preston North End.[32] Becchio scored his 5th goal of the season with a fine left footed volley and received the man of the match award against Middlesbrough. In the post match on-the-pitch interview with Sky Sports he also famously swore live on air stating that it was a "fucking unbelievable win!"[33]

His sixth goal of the season came in the following game in the 2–1 loss against Leicester City.[34] In November 2010 Becchio entered contract negotiations with Leeds over extending his contract.[35] In the game against Hull City Becchio suffered a black eye after being elbowed by Ian Ashbee[36] Becchio scored his 7th, 8th & 9th goals of the season with a 17 minute hatrick against Bristol City after coming on as a second half substitute[37] Becchio was praised by manager Simon Grayson after his thrilling quick fire hat-trick vs Bristol City, Grayson said that it was a great performance by Becchio and he is still young and can only get better. Becchio revealed that he was looking to sign a new contract at Leeds.

On 3 December 2010, Becchio won The Championship PFA Player of the month Award for November beating off competition from Adel Taarabt, Lewis McGugan, Scott Sinclair and Jay Bothroyd for the award.[38] Becchio scored his 10th and 11th goals of the season when he scored a brace against Crystal Palace from 1–0 down.[39][40] Leeds confirmed that contract talks with Becchio were ongoing and had only been delayed due to translation issues.[41] Becchio scored his 12th goal of the season against Burnley.[42]

On 18 December 2010, after the 2-0 home win against Queens Park Rangers which took Leeds to second place in the Championship, Becchio signed a new three and a half year contract with Leeds. "I'm very happy to sign," he told the club's official website. "I love the fans, we are doing well and we want to get to the Premier League."[43][44] 1 January 2011, Becchio scored his 13th goal of the season with an injury time equaliser against Middlesbrough.[45]

On 8 January, Becchio helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, Leeds went 1-0 up when Robert Snodgrass scored a second half penalty, Arsenal equalised in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas scored a penalty.[46] However, on 18 January, Becchio was injured and missed the second leg which Arsenal went on to win 3-1. Becchio returned to Leeds' starting lineup against Portsmouth and scored his 14th goal of the season, the goal also reached his 50th goal milestone for Leeds in all competitions.[47] Becchio scored his 15th goal of the season against Norwich City.[48] His 16th goal of the season came against Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, the game marked his 100th league start for Leeds.[49] Becchio's 17th goal of the season came in the 5-2 win against Doncaster Rovers.[50] On 2 April, Becchio bagged his 18th of the season in the 4-1 mauling of Nottingham Forest,[51] and his 19th at the New Den against Millwall a week later. Becchio scored his 20th goal of the season against Watford in a 2-2 draw, however Becchio picked up an injury in the same game which caused him to miss all the remaining games left in the season.[52] During the summer Becchio was linked with a £3 million pound move to Swansea City.[53] After doing some rehab on his hamstring injury in Spain, Becchio returned to light training for Leeds in time for the start of pre season training.[54]

2011–12 season

However, Becchio injured his hamstring again before a pre season tour of Scotland. On 22 July, Becchio had surgery on his hamstring injury. The injury would rule Becchio out for a few months and meant he would miss the start of the 2011–12 season.[55] After five months out injured Becchio returned to Leeds' first team when he was named on the bench against Crystal Palace on 10 September, he came on as a second half substitute and scored his first goal of the season with a header in Leeds' 3–2 victory, the goal also marked Becchio's 50th 'League goal' milestone for the club.[56] Becchio came on as a substitute against Bristol City on 1h September providing the assist for Ross McCormack's winning goal.[57]

Becchio made his first start of the season on 20 September, coming into the side against fierce rivals Manchester United.[58] After being used as a substitute due to the form of Andy Keogh and Ross McCormack. On 22 October 2011, Becchio thought he had scored a dramatic late winner against Peterborough United in a 3–2 win, however teammate Darren O'Dea was credited with the goal.[59] After getting a rare start Becchio scored his second goal of the season on 29 November in Leeds' emphatic 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest.[60]

During December, Becchio was linked with a move to fellow Championship side Middlesbrough.[61] However, Leeds Chairman Ken Bates revealed he wouldn't sell Becchio to one of the clubs closest rivals in the same league.[62] Becchio's third goal of the season came as a consolation in Leeds' 4–1 loss against Barnsley on 31 December 2011.[63]

Personal life

Luciano is married to Patricia Bosquet with whom he has one daughter named Bianca.

Becchio's boyhood hero was former Boca Juniors, Fiorentina and AS Roma striker Gabriel Batistuta.[64] Becchio's goal celebration is a homage to his friend and former Mallorca B and Ciudad Murcia team mate Daniel Güiza who also had the same goal celebration. Güiza went on to win the 2008 European Championship in Spain.

Honours

Club

Mérida UD

Leeds United

Individual

Career statistics

England
Season Club Division League FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy Play-Offs Total Discipline
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
2011-12 Leeds United Championship 20 3 0 0 1 0 – – – – 21 3 0 0
2010-11 Championship 41 19 1 0 2 1 – – – – 44 20 5 0
2009-10 League One 37 15 5 2 3 0 2 0 – – 47 17 5 0
2008-09 League One 45 15 3 0 4 2 2 1 2 1 56 19 7 0
Total 143 52 9 2 10 3 4 1 2 1 168 59 17 0
As of 2 January 2012

References

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  4. ^ http://www.leedsunited.com/page/NewsroomDetail/0,,10273~1348792,00.html
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  6. ^ http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=soccer&page=round&id=6707
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  65. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Segunda_Divisi%C3%B3n_B

External links

Luciano Becchio career stats at Soccerbase

Leeds United A.F.C. – current squad