Ulloa can be our Michu (From The Argus)
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Ulloa can be our Michu
9:30am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Sport By Andy Naylor
Leonardo Ulloa is due to sign either today or tomorrow
Gus Poyet hopes new striker Leonardo Ulloa can become Albion’s answer to Michu.
Boss Poyet will have a close up view of Swansea ace Michu, pictured, against Arsenal tonight.
He will be at The Emirates to size up the Seagulls’ next FA Cup opponents, with the winners of the third round replay visiting The Amex on Saturday week.
Michu has been a revelation in the Premier League for Swansea since the Welshmen snapped him up from La Liga rookies Rayo Vallecano for £2 million in the summer.
Albion are paying a similar sum for Ulloa from Spanish Second Division club Almeria and Poyet would love the 26-year-old Argentinian target man to be a similar success in the Championship.
He said: “I hope so. I think he has got all the ingredients to be a proper striker for England, the size, heading ability, right or left foot.
“He scored plenty of goals for Almeria last year so everything is there. It’s up to us to use him in the right way.”
Ulloa now has the Spanish passport he needs to be eligible to play in England and is expected to complete his move to Albion today or tomorrow.
Poyet has no preference whether it is Michu’s Swansea or Arsenal that the Seagulls face in the fourth round. He is more concerned about winning the next two league games, at Birmingham on Saturday and at Blackburn three days later.
“I wanted the smallest team (in the draw) but they didn’t listen to me!” Poyet joked. “I am sure the fans would prefer Arsenal, because of what it means, but anyone who is coming is going to be difficult. They have got quality, they keep the ball well, they have got quality players up front.
“I hope maybe Swansea are going to be a little bit more tired, because they are playing another two games (Chelsea in League Cup). I would like to win the next two and then it doesn’t matter, the Cup. I want to relax, sit there and enjoy the game.”
Albion are advising supporters to book early to secure a seat for the FA Cup fourth round.
They have already sold about 21,000 tickets. The visitors will be entitled to 4,000, although Swansea are not expected to take their full allocation if they go through.
Comments(50)
Alfie T
says...
10:07am Wed 16 Jan 13
Jonathan Mouette
says...
10:28am Wed 16 Jan 13
Claude Back
says...
10:28am Wed 16 Jan 13
Alfie T wrote:Yes, uncanny isn't it?
Michu, absolute dead ringer for Ulloa.
Ohnotagain !
says...
10:41am Wed 16 Jan 13
Bob! wrote:25 tickets now
'Albion are advising supporters to book early to secure a seat for the FA Cup fourth round.'
That advise may be a bit tardy if Arsenal go through as there are just 33 tickets left available online currently.
dave from bexill
says...
10:59am Wed 16 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:Ha ha, that's funny guys. Do all these Latin types look the same?
Alfie T wrote:Yes, uncanny isn't it?
Michu, absolute dead ringer for Ulloa.
meaty loaf
says...
11:19am Wed 16 Jan 13
a1a1a1
says...
11:19am Wed 16 Jan 13
This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite often
mikeygit
says...
11:31am Wed 16 Jan 13
dave from bexill
says...
11:47am Wed 16 Jan 13
a1a1a1 wrote:Ok,but Gus seems to have been watching this player for sometime now and must have done a full appraisal of his strengths and weaknesses, of which he's sure to have both.Gus must be confident this is the player he wants for the club at this time and although there's always a risk attached, I for one am really excited about the prospect of this player joining the squad and improving our team. Not sure that comparisons with Michu are particularly helpful or indeed relevant at this time.
Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga last year though, and our proposed new guy scored 7 when playing at the highest level for 1 season - he also got 7 yellow cards - something which is a regular habit, so perhaps the Latino temperament may be an issue.
This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite often
Claude Back
says...
11:59am Wed 16 Jan 13
meaty loaf wrote:Class.
Hopefully it won't be a case of "Michu do About Nothing".
WestStander17
says...
12:00pm Wed 16 Jan 13
a1a1a1 wrote:We can't have a big, Argentine target man without a few yellow and red cards flying about! I wouldn't expect any less! Hehe!
Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga last year though, and our proposed new guy scored 7 when playing at the highest level for 1 season - he also got 7 yellow cards - something which is a regular habit, so perhaps the Latino temperament may be an issue.
This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite often
mr punch
says...
12:23pm Wed 16 Jan 13
northstand4
says...
12:25pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Alan G Skinner
says...
12:40pm Wed 16 Jan 13
markymark03
says...
12:46pm Wed 16 Jan 13
markymark03
says...
12:48pm Wed 16 Jan 13
VegasSeagull
says...
12:54pm Wed 16 Jan 13
It would seem, from the comments being made by fans and management, that this guy is carrying the hopes and dreams of all the fans, I hope he can handle it.
The burden of scoring goals for Brighton looks to have been shifted from the other strikers and now it's all down to Ulloa, this is not good.
Expectations are high both in the halls of power at the Amex and on the terraces but we have only signed one player who we can think of as a name on the team sheet, is that enough?
Can one striker make so much difference, even if he does bring what we have been missing.
When all are fit we have a good squad, no denying that but there are 17 or more other players that have got to deliver week in and week out if we are to reach the top. My hope is that one or two other players will sign before this window closes.
Claude Back
says...
1:01pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Alan G Skinner wrote:Hopefully.
Finally a foil for CMS.
Gus never plays two strikers though and that is really frustrating.
Perhaps this signing will change his mind.I don't endorse the latest fashion for only one striker perpetuated by Barcelona as only they can do it successfully and other teams just don't have the players gifted enough to accomplish it. Chelsea do come close but look at the players they have in midfield. Personally, I always prefer two strikers at least and reject any suggestion so called 'modern football' is not successful with this system.
It is aways eleven against eleven and no matter how you tinker with formations, ultimately if you have two good strikers you have a better chance of scoing and give defences twice as much to worry about. It's basically simple; keep passing to your own players and then pass the ball into the net.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
1:01pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Dr Baldhead
says...
1:01pm Wed 16 Jan 13
a1a1a1 wrote:He's hardly played for Almeria this season. Once he made it known he wanted to leave in the summer, they got in another striker and I believe he had played second fiddle to him ever since. Whilst i don't think we should over hype him, I wouldn't be too concerned with his recent scoring / appearance record.
Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga last year though, and our proposed new guy scored 7 when playing at the highest level for 1 season - he also got 7 yellow cards - something which is a regular habit, so perhaps the Latino temperament may be an issue.
This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite often
Claude Back
says...
1:03pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
1:04pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:You are just choosing two arbitrarily, but if you follow that to its logical conclusion, why not play with 4 out and out strikers? Four times as much for the opposition defenders to worry about. If you play with one (and there is a reason so many teams are doing this) you can still have your other players scoring too.
Alan G Skinner wrote:Hopefully.
Finally a foil for CMS.
Gus never plays two strikers though and that is really frustrating.
Perhaps this signing will change his mind.I don't endorse the latest fashion for only one striker perpetuated by Barcelona as only they can do it successfully and other teams just don't have the players gifted enough to accomplish it. Chelsea do come close but look at the players they have in midfield. Personally, I always prefer two strikers at least and reject any suggestion so called 'modern football' is not successful with this system.
It is aways eleven against eleven and no matter how you tinker with formations, ultimately if you have two good strikers you have a better chance of scoing and give defences twice as much to worry about. It's basically simple; keep passing to your own players and then pass the ball into the net.
Bob!
says...
1:11pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Dr Baldhead wrote:We probably should be a bit concerned about his recent appearance record in that he will undoubtedly be lacking match fitness, and will require time to acquire this.
a1a1a1 wrote: Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga last year though, and our proposed new guy scored 7 when playing at the highest level for 1 season - he also got 7 yellow cards - something which is a regular habit, so perhaps the Latino temperament may be an issue. This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite oftenHe's hardly played for Almeria this season. Once he made it known he wanted to leave in the summer, they got in another striker and I believe he had played second fiddle to him ever since. Whilst i don't think we should over hype him, I wouldn't be too concerned with his recent scoring / appearance record.
Claude Back
says...
1:13pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:Four strikers would mean a lack of width and other players to provide passes or crosses so I cannot agree that is a logical conclusion. ;-)
Claude Back wrote:You are just choosing two arbitrarily, but if you follow that to its logical conclusion, why not play with 4 out and out strikers? Four times as much for the opposition defenders to worry about. If you play with one (and there is a reason so many teams are doing this) you can still have your other players scoring too.
Alan G Skinner wrote:Hopefully.
Finally a foil for CMS.
Gus never plays two strikers though and that is really frustrating.
Perhaps this signing will change his mind.I don't endorse the latest fashion for only one striker perpetuated by Barcelona as only they can do it successfully and other teams just don't have the players gifted enough to accomplish it. Chelsea do come close but look at the players they have in midfield. Personally, I always prefer two strikers at least and reject any suggestion so called 'modern football' is not successful with this system.
It is aways eleven against eleven and no matter how you tinker with formations, ultimately if you have two good strikers you have a better chance of scoing and give defences twice as much to worry about. It's basically simple; keep passing to your own players and then pass the ball into the net.
Traditionally, the most successful teams always had a good pairing of forwards who had a good understanding of what the other would do or what position to take. There are many examples so I do not need to list them.Such a pairing would still be successful today in my opinion.
VegasSeagull
says...
1:16pm Wed 16 Jan 13
The other area which concerns me is the ground speed of our defenders, one or two of them are lacking in pace.
I agree our general game is good and yes, we have created many chances to score, but having Ulloa doesn't improve the first touch of CMS, something he needs to work on.
When David has been asked to fill in at right back he has delivered but should we be in a position to have to turn to him.
I guess what I am saying is, Ulloa is not going to fix what some would see as areas where we could strengthen, even before his name was on the list of possible signings. My fear is that too much hope will be laid at one players feet when there are also areas of our game that also need tweaking.
Hovite
says...
1:30pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:Do you not think that although we may start with one up front we may finish with 2 or 3 up front depending on where we are in the game.
Alan G Skinner wrote:Hopefully.
Finally a foil for CMS.
Gus never plays two strikers though and that is really frustrating.
Perhaps this signing will change his mind.I don't endorse the latest fashion for only one striker perpetuated by Barcelona as only they can do it successfully and other teams just don't have the players gifted enough to accomplish it. Chelsea do come close but look at the players they have in midfield. Personally, I always prefer two strikers at least and reject any suggestion so called 'modern football' is not successful with this system.
It is aways eleven against eleven and no matter how you tinker with formations, ultimately if you have two good strikers you have a better chance of scoing and give defences twice as much to worry about. It's basically simple; keep passing to your own players and then pass the ball into the net.
As an example, CMS can run the defence ragged, tire them out, and hopefully score. Then send on Hoskins and Leo from the bench to finish the job off.
VegasSeagull
says...
1:52pm Wed 16 Jan 13
I am not so sure that we really understand the term, 'lone striker.' If Ulloa was the one up front and either CMS or Hoskins was playing just behind him, is that truly a lone striker option?
If two strikers are on the park then we have two strikers on the park, not one.
For me Barnes is looking very capable of adopting a midfield attacking role, he could replace Crofts or Hammond, if Ulloa is up front, CMS behind him and Barnes in midfield, do we have three strikers on the park?
The term, 'lone striker,' suggests that just one takes the field. CMS, Hoskins and Barnes are benched, do we really think that will happen. I feel sure that two strikers will start our matches, with one pushed further up field than the other.
PressBoxTeaBoy
says...
1:58pm Wed 16 Jan 13
a1a1a1 wrote:If we're judging his net worth based on how many goals scored then he's no worse than Barnes, better than Dobbie, and not far behind CMS, so I wouldn't panic, just let the lad settle in and get familiar then we can look forward to a rampant run of scoring 2 goals before the season is over :-)
Michu scored 17 goals in La Liga last year though, and our proposed new guy scored 7 when playing at the highest level for 1 season - he also got 7 yellow cards - something which is a regular habit, so perhaps the Latino temperament may be an issue. This season Ulloa has only scored 4 goals, none since September. Maybe i am just being cautious,but he has only scored more than 10 goals in 1 season and that was in the Spanish 2nd tier . All other seasons including this year he has struggled and got booked and sent off quite often
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
2:08pm Wed 16 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:It's funny - the few times I've seen CMS his first touch has been fine. I presume I've been lucky.
Old Scrote, I would like to see a player come to the club that is better than Crofts and Hammond, for me both of these players need to have their selection challenged.
The other area which concerns me is the ground speed of our defenders, one or two of them are lacking in pace.
I agree our general game is good and yes, we have created many chances to score, but having Ulloa doesn't improve the first touch of CMS, something he needs to work on.
When David has been asked to fill in at right back he has delivered but should we be in a position to have to turn to him.
I guess what I am saying is, Ulloa is not going to fix what some would see as areas where we could strengthen, even before his name was on the list of possible signings. My fear is that too much hope will be laid at one players feet when there are also areas of our game that also need tweaking.
As for David filling in, what other choice is there? We already have two excellent right-backs and the odds of both being unavailable were slim, even though it happened. Do you think we should have THREE quality players for each position for just this very occasional situation? The third choice wouldn't get a game most seasons and would not be happy failing to even make the bench week after week.
Hovite
says...
2:09pm Wed 16 Jan 13
In any case Orlandi finishes like a striker, it was a nice strikers header he had against Derby.
hannover seagull
says...
2:15pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Last week he was quoted as being 5 ft 11´
This week 6ft 3
He´ll be enormous by the end the season at this rate
Feel a 4-4-2 coming on
UTA.................
.................
VegasSeagull
says...
2:30pm Wed 16 Jan 13
mark by the sea
says...
2:33pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Tommy11
says...
3:36pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Hovite wrote:But he also missed a sitter....
Agree Vegas, we will always start with 2 strikers, but not in the tradition fixed 442 formation. I think we will always start with a fluid 42211. In any case Orlandi finishes like a striker, it was a nice strikers header he had against Derby.
I don't agree that he finishes like a striker, but he has really come on over the last couple of months and looking decent.
I think we need to all take a chill pill in realtion to Ulloa and let him settle. We actually have not signed him yet, and there all this talk which is totally OTT....
I agree with Vegas that there is so much pressure on the man....
He may be another Federico Terrenzo...
Neville
says...
3:49pm Wed 16 Jan 13
dave from bexill
says...
3:53pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Neville wrote:Nice one Neville. Did you manage to get a kick about with them?
For info was at The Amex this morning and Ulloa was training as was Vicente.Good news.
Neville
says...
3:58pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Unfortunately not,but given the chance I would of course.
Old Scrote of the Amex
says...
4:02pm Wed 16 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:Not sure of your point...?
OldScrote, what is the difference between a right back and a left back?
BobbyZamoraIsALegend
says...
4:09pm Wed 16 Jan 13
My ideal team:
Kus
Bruno El Abd Greer Bridge
Bridcutt
Buckley Vicente Orlandi CMS
Ulloa
Neville
says...
4:33pm Wed 16 Jan 13
The training session lasted about 2.5 hours and all players looked fit and quite intense sesion,lots of discussion. Ulloa scored a couple of good goals and he also looked fit and Calderon acting as his mentor on the session.
Impossible to see what system will be played Sat but I expect Ulloa may be on bench.
VegasSeagull
says...
4:42pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:My point is, to my mind the only difference is that each of them have a prefered peg, the actual job they do is the same.
VegasSeagull wrote: OldScrote, what is the difference between a right back and a left back?Not sure of your point...?
We have had to rely on the adaptability of a right side midfield player to step in at right back, perhaps our alternative left back should have been able to get the job done.
In today's game most players are comfortable with both pegs, even if they have a prefered one, it seems that our left sided defenders are not.
duncan 74
says...
4:45pm Wed 16 Jan 13
I think our squad is shaping up to be one capable of promotion this or next year. Only weak area is centre back. Don't get me wrong I think Greer had been amazing and probably the signing that started all of this. And if every player had the commitment of El Abd we would be in the Prem already. However, I always feel they are playing at the top of their skill level and I feel if we are to make the jump to the next level this position will need to be addressed. I really like Lewis Dunk and with the right development could be a great player. I remember reading on here soneone said he was only a league one player. Garbage. Unlike the other two I always feel he has more to give if needed, and not in a bad way. Anyway loving being a fan at the moment. How can you not.
BobbyZamoraIsALegend
says...
4:48pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Cheers for the heads up Neville, just seen some pic on twitter from North End Chat with the big man holding the mighty blue and white kit (ps shirt wasn't as big this time) ;-)
ballantrrae
says...
4:54pm Wed 16 Jan 13
VegasSeagull wrote:Seconded.
Old Scrote, I would like to see a player come to the club that is better than Crofts and Hammond, for me both of these players need to have their selection challenged.
The other area which concerns me is the ground speed of our defenders, one or two of them are lacking in pace.
I agree our general game is good and yes, we have created many chances to score, but having Ulloa doesn't improve the first touch of CMS, something he needs to work on.
When David has been asked to fill in at right back he has delivered but should we be in a position to have to turn to him.
I guess what I am saying is, Ulloa is not going to fix what some would see as areas where we could strengthen, even before his name was on the list of possible signings. My fear is that too much hope will be laid at one players feet when there are also areas of our game that also need tweaking.
We do need a powerful midfielder and would benefit from having at least one CD with pace.
Amongst the many attributes that Lawrenson who Is the best defender I've seen playing for the Albion (IMO) was pace.
I hope that Ulloa turns out to be the type of striker that the club has been looking for and that we fans show patience while he settles in and becomes match fit.
Far gull
says...
5:08pm Wed 16 Jan 13
duncan 74 wrote:Had to comment D your Alloha Ulloa comment deserved comment only because nobody commented on mine on a previous thread ,even if only to say how bad it was! my comment was to say hello ,ulloa when he signs hope he is as successful as the sit com.
Well done Gus. I have a good feeling about this signing. Shame he's not half Hawaiian because the headline could have been " Alloha Ulloa" sorry.
I think our squad is shaping up to be one capable of promotion this or next year. Only weak area is centre back. Don't get me wrong I think Greer had been amazing and probably the signing that started all of this. And if every player had the commitment of El Abd we would be in the Prem already. However, I always feel they are playing at the top of their skill level and I feel if we are to make the jump to the next level this position will need to be addressed. I really like Lewis Dunk and with the right development could be a great player. I remember reading on here soneone said he was only a league one player. Garbage. Unlike the other two I always feel he has more to give if needed, and not in a bad way. Anyway loving being a fan at the moment. How can you not.
Either both comments went over peoples heads or they were that bad nobody prepared to comment either way yours made me smile.
Great time to be supporting our team
saraman
says...
5:25pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Claude Back wrote:Yes Claude, it happens all of the time. I make a point of proof reading my post before I hit the submit key. Even then I miss silly things that frustrate me. Not all the bad grammar on here is down to poor education but just a gliche in the system. To my way of thinking if someone can post back critising a post; they have understood quite clearly what the poster was getting at. I hope I have not made myself obscure.
'Always' and 'scoring', sorry. Anyone else find typing on this site often goes wrong?
Hovite
says...
5:40pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Tommy11 wrote:I don't think there is any pressure on him, he will be here with a fresh clear mind. I would say the pressure is off CMS which is a good thing,
Hovite wrote:But he also missed a sitter....
Agree Vegas, we will always start with 2 strikers, but not in the tradition fixed 442 formation. I think we will always start with a fluid 42211. In any case Orlandi finishes like a striker, it was a nice strikers header he had against Derby.
I don't agree that he finishes like a striker, but he has really come on over the last couple of months and looking decent.
I think we need to all take a chill pill in realtion to Ulloa and let him settle. We actually have not signed him yet, and there all this talk which is totally OTT....
I agree with Vegas that there is so much pressure on the man....
He may be another Federico Terrenzo...
saraman
says...
5:59pm Wed 16 Jan 13
russellsnr2
says...
9:33pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Bob! says...
9:58am Wed 16 Jan 13
That advise may be a bit tardy if Arsenal go through as there are just 33 tickets left available online currently.