One to Watch - Luciano Becchio

Argentinean forward Luciano Becchio has been outlined as the One to Watch ahead of this weekend's clash.

Name: Luciano Héctor Becchio

Date of Birth: 28/12/1983 (Córdoba, Argentina)

Former club(s): Boca Juniors, Mallorca B, Ciudad Murcia (L), Terrassa, Barcelona B, Mérida

Appearances (Goals): 231 (79)

Luciano Becchio came through the ranks at Boca Juniors but with first team hard to come by the striker left his home nation and travelled to Spain.

There he was snapped up by Mallorca B where in his two years at Son Bibiloni he netted five times in 29 appearances before being loaned out to Ciudad de Murcia.

While in Murcia, Becchio struck three times in 16 appearances before eventually moving north from Mallorca to Catalan side Terrassa.

His two goals in 24 appearances was enough to see Spanish giants Barcelona purchase the forward, with the Argentinean featuring alongside the likes Giovanni dos Santos and Bojan.

Moving on once more in 2006, Becchio finally made his mark on the Spanish game with Mérida - netting 28 times in 50 games for the Segunda División B side.

Former Newcastle United defender Marcelino recommended Becchio to Gary McAllister's Leeds United in the summer of 2008 and after impressing on trial he was given a three-year deal.

He was off the mark against Yeovil Town in his third fixture and went on to score 15 goals in a productive season for the Whites, despite being knocked out by Millwall in the playoffs.

Leeds were favourites for promotion and with Becchio and Jermaine Beckford once again forging a formidable partnership the Whites were able to claim their Championship spot on the final day.

Becchio's 15 goals were a sizeable contribution as Leeds finished off as runners-up with 86 points, behind eventual winners Norwich City.

It was going to be a tall order filling the influential boots of Beckford, but with 11 goals to his name already Becchio is in the form of his career.

A hatrick against Bristol City is the highlight of an already productive season for the Argentinean front-man, and he hopes to continue the form this weekend.




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