Liga MX: Leonardo Ulloa from Leicester to Pachuca

Yesterday afternoon, AS announced that Leonardo Ulloa has left Leicester City for Pachuca. I look at what this signing might mean for struggling Pachuca and have enlisted the help of my friend Alex, a lifelong Leicester City fan, to profile the incoming Argentine and provide some of his standout moments during his time in England.

Pachuca’s woeful start in Liga MX:

The announcement comes at the perfect time for Tuzos who’ve not managed a single goal from open play in the league this season. In fact, statistically they’re one of the worst teams in the league, having taken a grand total of 41 shots with on 7 of those shots on target. This is a shot accuracy of just 17%.

The only league goal that Pachuca can boast this season is a 90^th minute penalty against América to round off a 3 – 1 defeat in the Azteca.

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This start means that Pachuca currently sit rock bottom of the league with a goal difference of -6. With a visit to free-scoring Pumas UNAM on the horizon, things don’t look like they’re going to get easier any time soon!

The only comfort will be that they’re yet to play fellow strugglers Lobos BUAP and Veracruz in games where they’ll really need to pick up the point. Tuzos fans will hope that Ulloa’s signing will be something of a springboard for the rest of the season and that the Argentine can really hit the ground running!

Leonardo Ulloa’s career so far:

Having represented San Lorenzo, Arsenal and Olimpo in Argentina, Leonardo Ulloa made the journey to Europe, and to Spain’s Segunda Division, in 2008. He would spend five years in Spain with Castellón and Almería before making a £2m move to Brighton and Hove Albion in the English Championship.

Back to back playoff finishes at Brighton saw Ulloa attracted the interest of newly promoted Leicester City in the Premier League. He netted 11 goals in his debut season and was quick to win over fans who now refer to him affectionately as Leo.

The arrival of Shinji Okazaki the following year meant that he struggled to hold down a sport in the starting 11. However, he came to be known as somewhat of a super sub as he scored decisive last-minute goals against Norwich City and West Ham United to keep Leicester’s Premier League dreams alive. With his real moment of truth came following Jamie Vardy’s suspension in that same West Ham United game.

With four games to go, Leicester were stumbling towards the finish line in the title run and Ulloa was tasked with the main striking role in a crucial fixture against Swansea. Not only did Ulloa step up to the plate, he was the star man scoring two huge goals which propelled his team to Premier League ecstasy.

Whilst not known for his mobility, Ulloa is a real threat in the air and possesses nerves of steel in tense moments; Invaluable qualities for any top division side!

Leo’s top 3 Leicester Moments:

Leicester 5-3 Manchester United, September 2014.

Trailing to early Robin Van Persie and Angel Di Maria goals, Ulloa netted a stunning header from 12 yards which started Leicester on a comeback that included a goal for fellow Argentine Esteban Cambiasso. At 4-3, Ulloa slammed home a penalty past David De Gea to seal victory and to announce his arrival on England’s biggest stage.

Leicester 1-0 Norwich, February 2016

Following a last second defeat to Arsenal in the previous game, the wheels looked like they might be falling off of Leicester’s title bid. Struggling to break Norwich down, Ulloa popped up at the far post in the 90^th minute to score a vital goal to keep the dream alive.

Leicester 4-0 Swansea, April 2016

With main man Jamie Vardy suspended, Leicester needed a hero to lead the line and cometh the hour, cometh the man, Ulloa was the man. Scoring two goals from a combined distance of 5 metres, it was not pretty but, it was mightily effective.

Tuzos fans should be excited for what the striker can bring to their struggling squad. With 14 matches left in the 2018 Apertura, there’s more than enough time to climb the table.