Luciano Becchio
Encyclopedia
Luciano Héctor Becchio 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
. He has since gone on to score over 50 goals for the Yorkshire
club.
, 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. He became renowned as a lower-league talisman, scoring 28 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions, 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
. 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. After Mérida UD
hit financial problems, they had to sell Becchio to raise some funding to help cover their debts.
side Leeds United
on trial aiming to impress manager Gary McAllister
in pre-season friendlies against Shelbourne
and Barnet
. He was recommended to Leeds scout
Gwyn Williams
by former Spanish Newcastle defender Marcelino
. On 31 July, he signed for Leeds on a three-year contract. He made his first start for Leeds in their 5–2 win over Chester City
in the first round of the League Cup
. 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. 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. 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
.
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, 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
. 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. He scored 19 goals in his debut season in English football at Leeds.
Becchio scored his first goal of the 2009–10 season in the 1–0 league win against Wycombe Wanderers
. 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. He missed the game against Milton Keynes Dons
as his wife was due to give birth. 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. 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.
On 25 November 2009, Becchio returned from injury and played in Leeds' reserve team
game against Lincoln City
, to help boost his match fitness. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
and slotted in an equaliser after a run by Jonny Howson, however Leeds lost 2–1. 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. Becchio scored his 4th goal of the season against Preston North End. 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!"
His sixth goal of the season came in the following game in the 2–1 loss against Leicester City. In November 2010 Becchio entered contract negotiations with Leeds over extending his contract. In the game against Hull City
Becchio suffered a black eye after being elbowed by Ian Ashbee
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
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. Becchio scored his 10th and 11th goals of the season when he scored a brace against Crystal Palace
from 1–0 down. Leeds confirmed that contract talks with Becchio were ongoing and had only been delayed due to translation issues. Becchio scored his 12th goal of the season against Burnley.
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." 1 January 2011, Becchio scored his 13th goal of the season with an injury time equaliser against Middlesbrough.
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. 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. Becchio scored his 15th goal of the season against Norwich City. His 16th goal of the season came against Yorkshire
rivals Barnsley, the game marked his 100th league start for Leeds. Becchio's 17th goal of the season came in the 5-2 win against Doncaster Rovers. On 2 April, Becchio bagged his 18th of the season in the 4-1 mauling of Nottingham Forest, 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. During the summer Becchio was linked with a £3 million pound move to Swansea City. 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.
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. Becchio came on as a substitute against Bristol City
on 1h September providing the assist for Ross McCormack
's winning goal.
Becchio made his first start of the season on 20 September, coming into the side against fierce rivals Manchester United
. 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. After getting a rare start Becchio scored his 2nd goal of the season on 29th November in Leeds' emphatic 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Becchio's boyhood hero was former Boca Juniors
, Fiorentina and AS Roma striker Gabriel Batistuta
. 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.
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
footballer who plays for Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
as a striker. Born in Córdoba, Argentina
Córdoba, Argentina
Córdoba is a city located near the geographical center of Argentina, in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquía River, about northwest of Buenos Aires. It is the capital of Córdoba Province. Córdoba is the second-largest city in Argentina after the federal capital Buenos Aires, with...
, Becchio began his career at Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
before moving to Europe on an Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
passport, where he established himself in the Spanish lower leagues.
He moved to England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
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
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. He has since gone on to score over 50 goals for the Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
club.
Early career
Born in CórdobaCórdoba, Argentina
Córdoba is a city located near the geographical center of Argentina, in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquía River, about northwest of Buenos Aires. It is the capital of Córdoba Province. Córdoba is the second-largest city in Argentina after the federal capital Buenos Aires, with...
, Becchio started his career at Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
in Argentina, playing in their youth teams
Youth system
Youth system is a sporting terminology used to refer to a youth investment program within a particular team or league, which develops and nurtures young talent in farm teams, with the vision of using them in the first team if they show enough promise, and to fill up squads numbers in some teams...
, where he would train with fellow youth players such as Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tévez
Carlos Alberto Tévez is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for English club Manchester City...
. 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
Héctor Cúper
Héctor Raúl Cúper is an Argentinean former football defender and a current manager.-Coach:...
from Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
and placed in the B team at Real Mallorca, in his second season Becchio was loaned out to Ciudad de Murcia
Ciudad de Murcia
Club de Fútbol Atlético Ciudad was a Spanish football club based in Murcia, in the autonomous community of Murcia. Founded in 2007, it played its last season in Segunda División B , holding home matches at Estadio Juan de la Cierva, with a 1,600-seat capacity.-History:On June 6, 2007, Ciudad de...
(who have been subsequently re-named Granada 74
Granada 74 CF
Granada 74 Club de Fútbol, S.A.D., commonly known as Granada 74, is a Spanish football team based in Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia...
).
After leaving Mallorca, he joined Catalonia
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, with the official status of a "nationality" of Spain. Catalonia comprises four provinces: Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Its capital and largest city is Barcelona. Catalonia covers an area of 32,114 km² and has an...
club Terrassa FC
Terrassa FC
Terrassa Futbol Club, S.A.D. is a Spanish football team based in Terrassa, Barcelona, in the autonomous community of Catalonia. Founded in 1906, it currently plays in 3ª - Group 5, holding home matches at Estadi Olímpic de Terrassa, with a capacity of 11.500 spectators.-History:In 1914, Terrassa's...
before joining European giants FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Futbol Club Barcelona , also known as Barcelona and familiarly as Barça, is a professional football club, based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
. During his season at FC Barcelona B
FC Barcelona B
Futbol Club Barcelona B is a Spanish football team. They are the reserve team of FC Barcelona. Reserve teams in the Spanish football league system play in the same football pyramid as their senior team rather than a separate league. However reserve teams cannot play in the same division as their...
, Becchio had to compete with Bojan Krkić
Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkić Pérez known as just Bojan, is a Spanish footballer who currently plays as a forward or winger for Italian Serie A club Roma.- Early years :...
and Giovani dos Santos
Giovani Dos Santos
Giovani dos Santos Ramírez is a Mexican footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He can also play as a winger or second striker. Since joining Tottenham, he has had loan spells at Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing de Santander...
for places up front, both of whom went on to make the Barcelona first team. He became renowned as a lower-league talisman, scoring 28 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions, with 22 of his goals scored in the Segunda División B
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
for Mérida UD
Mérida UD
Mérida Unión Deportiva is a Spanish football club based in Mérida, in the autonomous community of Extremadura. Founded in 1990, the club currently plays in Tercera División – Group 14.-History:...
during the 2007–08 season. Luciano finished the season as Spain's Segunda División B
Segunda División B
Segunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
top scorer, with six goals coming in the last four games, including a hat-trick on the final day against CD Baza
CD Baza
Club Deportivo Baza is a Spanish football team based in Baza, Granada, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1970, it plays in Primera Andaluza, holding home matches at Estadio Constantino Navarro, with a capacity of 4,500 seats....
. Becchio's goals also saw Mérida UD
Mérida UD
Mérida Unión Deportiva is a Spanish football club based in Mérida, in the autonomous community of Extremadura. Founded in 1990, the club currently plays in Tercera División – Group 14.-History:...
finish in 4th place and qualify for the playoffs, however they lost out on aggregate to Ponferradina over 2 legs in the playoffs. After Mérida UD
Mérida UD
Mérida Unión Deportiva is a Spanish football club based in Mérida, in the autonomous community of Extremadura. Founded in 1990, the club currently plays in Tercera División – Group 14.-History:...
hit financial problems, they had to sell Becchio to raise some funding to help cover their debts.
2008–09 season
In July 2008, he joined League OneFootball League One
Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
side Leeds United
Leeds United A.F.C.
Leeds United Association Football Club are an English professional association football club based in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, who play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system...
on trial aiming to impress manager Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister
Gary McAllister MBE is a Scottish former professional footballer.McAllister played primarily as a midfielder, in a successful career spanning over nineteen years. He started his career at local side Motherwell before moving south of the border to Leicester City at the age of 20...
in pre-season friendlies against Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
and Barnet
Barnet F.C.
Barnet Football Club is an English football team from High Barnet, London, England, currently playing in Football League Two. The ground is in the town of Barnet within the London Borough of Barnet....
. He was recommended to Leeds scout
Scout (sport)
In professional sports, scouts are trained talent evaluators who travel extensively for the purposes of watching athletes play their chosen sports and determining whether their set of skills and talents represent what is needed by the scout's organization...
Gwyn Williams
Gwyn Williams
Gwyn Williams is Leeds United's Technical Director, and he is a former Chelsea FC chief scout who discovered John Terry and helped make a £14m profit on Tore André Flo for the London side.-Chelsea:...
by former Spanish Newcastle defender Marcelino
Marcelino Elena
Marcelino Elena Sierra, simply Marcelino , is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a central defender.-Club career:...
. On 31 July, he signed for Leeds on a three-year contract. He made his first start for Leeds in their 5–2 win over Chester City
Chester City F.C.
Chester City Football Club was an English football team from Chester. The club was founded as Chester F.C., and joined the Football League in 1931, spending most of their time in the lower divisions. They changed their name to Chester City in 1983. Chester won their first league title in 2004, the...
in the first round of the League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
. He was given his first league start against Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town F.C.
Yeovil Town F.C. are an English association football team based in Yeovil, Somerset. The club play in League One after having won the League Two championship in 2004–05...
in a 1–1 draw; in which it took him just 25 seconds to score his first Leeds goal. He scored his second goal for the club in his first start at Elland Road
Elland Road
Elland Road is an all-seater football stadium in Beeston, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It has been the permanent residence of Leeds United A.F.C...
in a 4–0 victory over Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
in the League Cup. 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
Bradford City A.F.C.
Bradford City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, playing in League Two....
in the Football League Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
.
During the 2008–09 season, Becchio only missed one match in all competitions, which was due to suspension
Suspension (punishment)
Suspension is a form of punishment that people receive for violating rules and regulations.- Workplace :Suspension is a common practice in the workplace for being in violation of an organization's policy...
. 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
Jermaine Beckford
Jermaine Paul Alexander Beckford is an English footballer who plays for Leicester City as a striker. He started his career as a trainee at Chelsea...
– he scored nine goals. With the loan signing of Lee Trundle
Lee Trundle
Lee Christopher Trundle is an English footballer who currently plays for Neath.-Career:Trundle was a late entrant into professional and league football, playing for non-league teams Burscough, Stalybridge Celtic, Southport, Bamber Bridge and Chorley before joining Welsh Premier League club Rhyl in...
from Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
, and the January transfer window signing of Mike Grella
Mike Grella
Michael Grella is an American professional soccer player who plays for Brentford. He plays as a striker. He was a United States Under-20 International and a highly rated talent in USA...
, manager Simon Grayson
Simon Grayson
Simon Nicholas Grayson is a retired English footballer and current manager of Leeds United. He is the elder brother of cricketer Paul 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, although that never materialised as Becchio was insistent on retaining his place in the team. Grayson frequently referred to Becchio as Lazarus
Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, is the subject of a prominent miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus restores him to life four days after his death...
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
Northampton Town F.C.
Northampton Town Football Club are an English professional football club based in Northampton, Northamptonshire. They currently play in Football League Two, the lowest league division, after being relegated from League One on the last day of the 2008–09 season...
. His 19th of the season came against Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
in the League One play-off
Football League One play-offs
The Football League One Playoffs are a series of playoff matches, contested by the teams finishing from 3rd to 6th in the NPower Football League One table to determine the third spot for promotion to the second tier of English football, the Championship....
semi-final, in which he rounded off a fine team move started by Ben Parker
Ben Parker (footballer)
Benjamin Brian Colin "Ben" Parker is an English footballer who plays for Leeds United. He is a defender in the left back position though can also play at centre-back who has had loan spells with Bradford City and Darlington...
, with Beckford and Andy Robinson
Andy Robinson (footballer)
Andrew Mark "Andy" Robinson is a professional football player, who plays for Tranmere Rovers. He plays as a Winger and is comfortable playing on either side of the pitch.-Early career:...
also playing vital roles. He scored 19 goals in his debut season in English football at Leeds.
2009–10 season
Wycombe Wanderers F.C.
Wycombe Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football team from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, which has been promoted to Football League One after finishing third in Football League Two in the season 2010–11. The club's nicknames are "The Chairboys" and "The Blues", and they play...
. He had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside in the League Cup tie against Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
; replays showed that he was onside as Beckford flicked on Ľubomír Michalík
Lubomír Michalík
Ľubomír Michalík is a Slovakian footballer who plays as a centre back for Carlisle United and the Slovakian national team.-Bolton Wanderers:...
's headed pass. He missed the game against Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons F.C.
.Milton Keynes Dons Football Club is an English professional football club founded in 2004 and based since 2007 at Stadium mk, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire...
as his wife was due to give birth. Becchio and his wife welcomed their first daughter named Bianca who was born on 27 September 2009 at the Leeds General Infirmary
Leeds General Infirmary
Leeds General Infirmary, also known as the LGI or, more correctly, The General Infirmary at Leeds, is a large teaching hospital based in the centre of Leeds, West Yorkshire, England and is part of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust....
. He picked up a serious ankle injury in the game against Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
, when he stepped on the ball whilst controlling it from a high pass, and had to be substituted. 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
Ian Miller (footballer born 1955)
Ian Miller is a former Scottish footballer who played his football in England. He is a currently a coach at Leeds United and is nicknamed 'Dusty'.-Playing career:...
. Becchio did not play for the Leeds first team again until late November. In his absence Leeds signed Welsh International striker Sam Vokes
Sam Vokes
Samuel Michael "Sam" Vokes is an English-born Welsh International footballer who plays as a striker. He is currently on loan at Championship side Burnley from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers....
on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
until 2 January 2010 as cover.
On 25 November 2009, Becchio returned from injury and played in Leeds' reserve team
Reserve team
Large professional sports clubs often have far more players under contract than could possibly play in a match. As a result, many of these clubs create second teams composed of players who need playing time, but have little hope of playing on the first team. The players on this second team are...
game against Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
, to help boost his match fitness. 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
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
second round draw with Kettering Town
Kettering Town F.C.
Kettering Town Football Club are a football club originating in Kettering, Northamptonshire but currently based in the nearby village of Irthlingborough. The club play in the Conference National after winning the Conference North in 2007–08...
. Two days later, he came on as a substitute against Oldham Athletic
Oldham Athletic A.F.C.
Oldham Athletic Association Football Club is an English association football club based at Boundary Park, on Sheepfoot Lane in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The club currently competes in the Football League One, the third tier of the English league...
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
Sam Vokes
Samuel Michael "Sam" Vokes is an English-born Welsh International footballer who plays as a striker. He is currently on loan at Championship side Burnley from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers....
against Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
. His fifth goal of the season was a header against Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United F.C.
Hartlepool United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Hartlepool that currently play in League One. The team won promotion to League One in the 2006–07 season...
on boxing day, which took a heavy deflection.
Becchio played against Premier League team Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
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. 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
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
Becchio was dropped to the bench and replaced up front by Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
, although he later came on in the second half after replacing midfielder Michael Doyle
Michael Doyle (footballer)
Michael Paul Doyle is an Irish footballer currently playing for Sheffield United. Doyle is known for his workrate and his tough tackling style. He started his career at Celtic and has also played in Denmark for AGF Aarhus...
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. 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
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
when his goalbound shot was deflected in by Orient defender Charlie Daniels
Charlie Daniels
Charles Edward "Charlie" Daniels is an American musician known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is known primarily for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and multiple other songs he has performed and written. Daniels has been active as a singer...
; 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
Huddersfield Town F.C.
Huddersfield Town Football Club is an English football club formed in 1908 and based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. They currently play in League One...
, with the game finishing 2–2. Goal number 12 of the season came against Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
, with Becchio scoring with a diving header.
Becchio was substituted early on in the first half against Norwich City
Norwich City F.C.
Norwich City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Norwich, Norfolk. As of the 2011–12 season, Norwich City are again playing in the Premier League after a six-year absence, having finished as runner up in the Championship in 2010–11 and winning automatic promotion.The...
after being knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with Michael Nelson. Becchio's head also landed heavily on the ground which caused him to swallow his tongue. He was substituted by Mike Grella
Mike Grella
Michael Grella is an American professional soccer player who plays for Brentford. He plays as a striker. He was a United States Under-20 International and a highly rated talent in USA...
and due to the injury was ruled out against Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
.
Becchio returned from injury for Leeds when he was named on the bench against Southend United
Southend United F.C.
Southend United Football Club is an English football club based at Roots Hall Stadium, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, who play in Football League Two. Their home ground is Roots Hall, and the club plan to move into a new 22,000-seater stadium located at Fossetts Farm.-Stadium:The club has had...
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
Carlisle United F.C.
Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system....
. Becchio scored his 16th of the season with a goal against Gillingham
Gillingham F.C.
Gillingham Football Club is an English professional football club based in the town of Gillingham, Kent. The only Kent-based club in the Football League, they play their home matches at the Priestfield Stadium...
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
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
after finishing in 2nd place in League One and thus earning automatic promotion.
2010–11 season
Becchio started the opening game and scored Leeds' 1st goal of the Championship season against Derby CountyDerby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
and slotted in an equaliser after a run by Jonny Howson, however Leeds lost 2–1. Becchio's second goal of the season came in Leeds' second match of the season in the Carling Cup against Lincoln City
Lincoln City F.C.
Lincoln City Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The club are currently members of the Conference National in 2011–12 following relegation from the Football League....
. 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. Becchio scored his 4th goal of the season against Preston North End. 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!"
His sixth goal of the season came in the following game in the 2–1 loss against Leicester City. In November 2010 Becchio entered contract negotiations with Leeds over extending his contract. In the game against Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
Becchio suffered a black eye after being elbowed by Ian Ashbee
Ian Ashbee
Ian Ashbee is an English professional footballer currently playing for Preston North End. He has previously played for Hull City, Derby County and Cambridge United, and has also played in Iceland, on loan to ÍR....
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
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
Adel Taarabt
Adel Taarabt is a Moroccan footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers as an Attacking midfielder and can also be used as a winger....
, Lewis McGugan
Lewis McGugan
Lewis Shay McGugan is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Championship side Nottingham Forest...
, Scott Sinclair
Scott Sinclair
Scott Andrew Sinclair is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Swansea City as a winger, having previously played for Bristol Rovers, Chelsea, Plymouth Argyle, Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Wigan Athletic...
and Jay Bothroyd
Jay Bothroyd
Jay Bothroyd is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers as a striker. He has also played for the England national team. He was a product of the Arsenal Academy and came to prominence during the 1999–2000 FA Youth Cup Final win against Coventry City...
for the award. Becchio scored his 10th and 11th goals of the season when he scored a brace against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
from 1–0 down. Leeds confirmed that contract talks with Becchio were ongoing and had only been delayed due to translation issues. Becchio scored his 12th goal of the season against Burnley.
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." 1 January 2011, Becchio scored his 13th goal of the season with an injury time equaliser against Middlesbrough.
On 8 January, Becchio helped earn Leeds a 1-1 draw against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, Leeds went 1-0 up when Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass is a Scottish footballer who plays for Leeds United as a winger comfortable playing on either side of the pitch. He can also play as a forward...
scored a second half penalty, Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
equalised in the 90th minute when Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
scored a penalty. 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. Becchio scored his 15th goal of the season against Norwich City. His 16th goal of the season came against Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
rivals Barnsley, the game marked his 100th league start for Leeds. Becchio's 17th goal of the season came in the 5-2 win against Doncaster Rovers. On 2 April, Becchio bagged his 18th of the season in the 4-1 mauling of Nottingham Forest, and his 19th at the New Den against Millwall
Millwall
Millwall is an area in London, on the western side of the Isle of Dogs, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It lies to the south of the developments at West India Docks, including Canary Wharf.-History:...
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. During the summer Becchio was linked with a £3 million pound move to Swansea City. 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.
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. After five months out injured Becchio returned to Leeds' first team when he was named on the bench against Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace F.C.
Crystal Palace Football Club are an English Football league club based in South Norwood, London. The team plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, where they have been based since 1924. The club currently competes in the second tier of English Football, The Championship.Crystal Palace was formed in...
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. Becchio came on as a substitute against Bristol City
Bristol City F.C.
Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England . They play at Ashton Gate, located in the south-west of the City...
on 1h September providing the assist for Ross McCormack
Ross McCormack
Ross McCormack is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for English football club Leeds United and the Scotland national team. His main position is as a Striker but he can also play as a Winger....
's winning goal.
Becchio made his first start of the season on 20 September, coming into the side against fierce rivals Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
. After being used as a substitute due to the form of Andy Keogh
Andy Keogh
Andrew Declan "Andy" Keogh is a Republic of Ireland International footballer who plays as a striker. He can also play as a winger. He is currently on loan at Championship side Leeds United from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers...
and Ross McCormack
Ross McCormack
Ross McCormack is a Scottish professional footballer currently playing for English football club Leeds United and the Scotland national team. His main position is as a Striker but he can also play as a Winger....
. On 22 October 2011, Becchio thought he had scored a dramatic late winner against Peterborough United
Peterborough United F.C.
Peterborough United Football Club are a professional English football club based in Peterborough. Peterborough United formed in 1934 and played in the old Midland League, which they won six times; eventually being admitted to the Football League in 1960, replacing Gateshead. Their home ground is...
in a 3–2 win, however teammate Darren O'Dea
Darren O'Dea
Darren O'Dea [pronounced dah-renh-oh-dee] is an Irish footballer who currently plays as a centre back for English Football League Championship club Leeds United after joining on a loan deal from Celtic. O'Dea has represented his country at under-21 level and at senior level...
was credited with the goal. After getting a rare start Becchio scored his 2nd goal of the season on 29th November in Leeds' emphatic 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
Personal life
Luciano is married to Patricia Bosquet with whom he has one daughter named Bianca.Becchio's boyhood hero was former Boca Juniors
Boca Juniors
Club Atlético Boca Juniors is an Argentine sports club based in La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It is best known for its professional football team, which currently plays in the Primera División....
, Fiorentina and AS Roma striker Gabriel Batistuta
Gabriel Batistuta
Gabriel Omar Batistuta , nicknamed Batigol, is a former professional footballer. The prolific Argentine striker played most of his club football at Fiorentina in Italy, and he is the tenth top scorer of all-time in the Italian Serie A league, with 184 goals in 318 matches...
. Becchio's goal celebration is a homage to his friend and former Mallorca B
RCD Mallorca B
Real Club Deportivo Mallorca B, S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Palma, Majorca, in the autonomous community of Balearic Islands. Founded in 1967, it is the reserve team of RCD Mallorca, and plays in Segunda División B – Group 3, holding home matches at Estadio Son Bibiloni, with a...
and Ciudad Murcia
Ciudad de Murcia
Club de Fútbol Atlético Ciudad was a Spanish football club based in Murcia, in the autonomous community of Murcia. Founded in 2007, it played its last season in Segunda División B , holding home matches at Estadio Juan de la Cierva, with a 1,600-seat capacity.-History:On June 6, 2007, Ciudad de...
team mate Daniel Güiza
Daniel Güiza
Daniel González Güiza is a Spanish footballer who plays for Getafe CF in La Liga, as a striker.A late bloomer, he made a name for himself at the age of 27, being crowned La Liga topscorer with Mallorca...
who also had the same goal celebration. Güiza went on to win the 2008 European Championship in Spain.
Leeds United
- League One Runners-Up (Promoted)Football League OneFootball League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system....
: 2009–2010
Individual
- The Championship: PFAProfessional Footballers' AssociationThe Professional Footballers' Association is the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales. The world's oldest professional sport trade union, it has 4,000 members....
Player of the month Award for November 2010 - Segunda División BSegunda División BSegunda División B is the third level of the Spanish football league system. It is administered by the RFEF. The top two levels are La Liga, also referred to as the Primera División, and the Segunda División. Immediately below Segunda División B is the Tercera Division...
: Pichichi Top Goalscorer: 2007/08 (22 Goals)
Career statistics
| Discipline |
|---|
| Leeds United | Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... > 14 |
2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | ! 15 !! 2 | 0 |
| Championship Football League Championship The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League... > 41 |
19 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – | ! 44 !! 20 | 0 |
| |League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... | 37 |
15 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | ! 47 !! 17 | 0 |
| |League One Football League One Football League One is the second-highest division of The Football League and third-highest division overall in the English football league system.... | 45 |
15 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | ! 56 !! 19 | 0 |
