Ulloa is the new Albion daddy

11:20am Monday 28th January 2013 in Sport By Andy Naylor

Leonardo Ulloa celebrates against Arsenal Leonardo Ulloa celebrates against Arsenal

LEONARDO Ulloa wants to become Albion's goalscoring daddy after marking his debut header against Arsenal with a kissing celebration for his wife and daughter.

The Argentinian target man nodded the Seagulls level again in the second half on his first appearance since his recent move from Spanish club Almeria.

He celebrated by kissing the name of five-year-old daughter Sophia, inscribed on his forearm, and his wedding ring finger.

Ulloa and wife Maria are expecting another daughter in May. He hopes by then to have built on an eyecatching debut, delayed by international clearance and ruined only by Olivier Giroud’s double and Theo Walcott's late deflected winner for Arsenal.

Ulloa, 26, said: “I am really happy about my debut. I was looking forward to it for ages and now my transfer has been completed. I was very happy with the goal but not the result, because we are out of the FA Cup.

“It was a little bit frustrating because the federation was asking for some other paperwork which I had to find. It was a little bit confusing but now I am only looking forward to playing, helping the team and scoring more goals.”

Ulloa, signed until 2017, has not had much football with Almeria this season and was replaced by Craig Mackail-Smith ten minutes after heading in a cross from Albion’s opening goalscorer Ashley Barnes.

“I was worried about my fitness because I haven’t been playing much but I told Gus I was ready to play for as long as I could,” he said. “Now I am looking forward to being 100 per cent fit and improving.

“It was a little bit hard at the beginning of the match but I understand Albion’s passing style of play. That is very good for me because I can score goals from the crosses into the box.

“It was a very good first game for me but it is only the start. I want to help Albion, to be here for four more years.”

Comments(46)

Smartbloke says...
11:45am Mon 28 Jan 13

Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect.

Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.

Report this post »

Jonathan Mouette says...
11:55am Mon 28 Jan 13

Being a Barnes doubter I hold my hand up and accept he had an important role in this match. Well done. He has got to keep doing it to get past go with me but with this new formation he may well be able to change my mind. Work in progress as far as I am concerned. What happens to Will Hoskins in the mean time does raise questions. And for Leo Ulloa the future looks increasingly bright - if he can cope with life in the Championship. Not all defences will be as genteel as Arsenal's who, it must be said, were not Premier League class. Glass half empty...? Forget it! I'm full steam ahead for the play offs if we can't make the first 2 spots. UTA Fingers crossed.

Report this post »

Stripes says...
11:57am Mon 28 Jan 13

Immense debut. Strong hold up play, winning headers and impressive defensive duties.

I'm well impressed.

Report this post »

mark by the sea says...
11:57am Mon 28 Jan 13

Smartbloke wrote:
Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect.

Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Not in the English game, Leo looked a smart player, good touch. But his movement in the area was great, on the shoulder of defender, and never stopped moving.
Gus has decisions to make soon. We have players in developement squad who need releasing.. Plus a lot out of contract in summer.

Report this post »

Seagull68 says...
12:03pm Mon 28 Jan 13

This guy is going to be an Albion legend. He impressed me even though he was not match fit. I really want to see him upfront with Macca. I think I am right in saying Gus said he was the perfect foil for Macca.

Report this post »

Claude Back says...
12:15pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Seagull68 wrote:
This guy is going to be an Albion legend. He impressed me even though he was not match fit. I really want to see him upfront with Macca. I think I am right in saying Gus said he was the perfect foil for Macca.
So would a lot of us us but I don't think it will happen unless we go behind in a game.
We looked a well balanced team until Ulloa went off and I think Gus will use him as the focal point and pursue his Barcelona policy of five midfielders. Hope I am wrong but leopards don't often change their spots.

Report this post »

Hovite says...
12:22pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I am as pleased for Ulloa that he found us, as much as we found him. I am certain he will have a great time here.

Seems like a really genuine hard working guy and I can only wish him the best in reinventing his career with the Albion. UTA

Report this post »

Claude Back says...
12:22pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I wonder if Ulloa will be our 'Jason Roberts' this season?

Report this post »

mr punch says...
12:32pm Mon 28 Jan 13

we only 8pts off 2nd place with 18 games to go Leo. Be the Daddy! Wot impressed me most was the way he tracked nack when necessary and helped out the defence. I did laugh at the fact that it was a headed goal but he had to get down for it, esp considering we are not really a team that throws it too many crosses. Good start for the man and let's all just keep believing!
I wll never forget going to Newcastle and winning 3-1 (even if the train was late nd got to the ground as the first goal went in) to gain promotion to the old first division. I want that feeling again! UTA!

Report this post »

mr punch says...
12:33pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Does anyone else hav trouble with this site missig letters when typing or is my keyboard sh1te?

Report this post »

Claude Back says...
12:42pm Mon 28 Jan 13

mr punch wrote:
Does anyone else hav trouble with this site missig letters when typing or is my keyboard sh1te?
Yes, I do..al th tme

Report this post »

Hovite says...
12:42pm Mon 28 Jan 13

mo I mever jave rhat kroblem byself

Report this post »

jockithenoo says...
12:53pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I'm gad abot tht i th ugt i w s disle sic
lol
UTA

Report this post »

7Rookie says...
12:57pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Showed what sort of team we are with a player who can hold the ball up and has a good first touch (been missing for 18 months). He allowed others to play and brought them into the game himself, very impressive debut and I think he will only get better as the fitness and knowledge of his teammates gets stronger.

Report this post »

Nathan L says...
1:13pm Mon 28 Jan 13

The thing i keep thinking is that Ulloa barely had any football this season and yet he looked that good... Makes me wonder how good the guy who kept him out of the squad at Almeria must be.. I was really pleased to see him take such a positive attitude in the game; he didn't complain when flagged offside, worked with the rest of the team rather than showing off, and seemed so passionate when he finally got his goal. I hope he provides vital charisma and confidence that has ebbed this season despite the immense talent within our squad.

Report this post »

mark by the sea says...
1:19pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Nathan L wrote:
The thing i keep thinking is that Ulloa barely had any football this season and yet he looked that good... Makes me wonder how good the guy who kept him out of the squad at Almeria must be.. I was really pleased to see him take such a positive attitude in the game; he didn't complain when flagged offside, worked with the rest of the team rather than showing off, and seemed so passionate when he finally got his goal. I hope he provides vital charisma and confidence that has ebbed this season despite the immense talent within our squad.
Looked sharp. Lets hope we get a defender in ASAP.

Report this post »

VegasSeagull says...
1:20pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I am pretty sure that CMS will start with Ulloa come our next match, maybe CMS playing slightly deeper, more of an attacking midfield player.

We all know that we need to score more goals and I doubt that Gus will lump that responsibility 100% on the shoulders of Ulloa.
The call for Gus to play two strikers, 4-4-2, will fall on deaf ears but CMS from midfield could be an option he would try. CMS and Vicente in a job sharing scheme might work.

Report this post »

Tony the tiger eastbourne says...
1:23pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I think we can all agree without doubt that everyone who worn the blue and white on Saturday did us proud!! Exciting times ahead I hope!!

Report this post »

Tony the tiger eastbourne says...
1:23pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I think we can all agree without doubt that everyone who worn the blue and white on Saturday did us proud!! Exciting times ahead I hope!!

Report this post »

saraman says...
1:27pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Smartbloke wrote:
Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect. Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Who remembers the diving header from Saunders against Saints at the Goldsone. He split the defence from a right wing cross and bang into the south goal.

Report this post »

wiltshire seagull says...
1:32pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Tony the tiger eastbourne wrote:
I think we can all agree without doubt that everyone who worn the blue and white on Saturday did us proud!! Exciting times ahead I hope!!
Agreed, but a very small whinge. Did anyone else notice CMS as usual, was the only player to come down to the NS and acknowledge the crowd? CMS, I salute you, you're a true gent.. Fab game tho' not too impressed with some of the Arsenal "fans" language and behaviour at the Station or the ground. Thanks for the compliment AW 'cos I know you'll be reading these posts 'cos you're a a gent too, lol. UTA.....

Report this post »

Gibseagull says...
1:39pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Nathan L wrote:
The thing i keep thinking is that Ulloa barely had any football this season and yet he looked that good... Makes me wonder how good the guy who kept him out of the squad at Almeria must be.. I was really pleased to see him take such a positive attitude in the game; he didn't complain when flagged offside, worked with the rest of the team rather than showing off, and seemed so passionate when he finally got his goal. I hope he provides vital charisma and confidence that has ebbed this season despite the immense talent within our squad.
Don't think the other guy at Almeria kept him out of the side - I heard he told the coach he wanted to leave in the summer and was sidelined. Either way, their loss is our gain!

Report this post »

VegasSeagull says...
1:44pm Mon 28 Jan 13

saraman wrote:
Smartbloke wrote: Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect. Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Who remembers the diving header from Saunders against Saints at the Goldsone. He split the defence from a right wing cross and bang into the south goal.
Well the art of diving is alive and well as is well demonstrated week in and week out, the difference being that this dive involved a ball. .

Report this post »

Dr Baldhead says...
1:53pm Mon 28 Jan 13

mark by the sea wrote:
Smartbloke wrote:
Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect.

Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Not in the English game, Leo looked a smart player, good touch. But his movement in the area was great, on the shoulder of defender, and never stopped moving.
Gus has decisions to make soon. We have players in developement squad who need releasing.. Plus a lot out of contract in summer.
Forgive me MBTS but I thought you posted on another thread that you didn't go to the game. Amazed that you could tell so much about Ulloa based on the paltry highlights offering served up by ITV!!

Report this post »

WestStander17 says...
2:31pm Mon 28 Jan 13

VegasSeagull wrote:
I am pretty sure that CMS will start with Ulloa come our next match, maybe CMS playing slightly deeper, more of an attacking midfield player. We all know that we need to score more goals and I doubt that Gus will lump that responsibility 100% on the shoulders of Ulloa. The call for Gus to play two strikers, 4-4-2, will fall on deaf ears but CMS from midfield could be an option he would try. CMS and Vicente in a job sharing scheme might work.
Before making my comment, Vegas, can I say that I think it's brilliant how you follow the Albion so closely from so far away. Must be difficult but you seem to get so much detail on everything. Respect is due!

However, I have to disagree with you on this one! CMS is not suited to a midfield role at all. He doesn't have the attributes for it. It will be very interesting how Gus gets Ulloa and CMS in the same team because, as you rightly say, it's unlikely he will go with 2 out-and-out strikers and taking out a central midfielder.

My suggestion would be that he goes with what would be a lopsided formation, with CMS joining Ulloa in attack sacrificing a winger. Personally, when all are fit, my preferred way would be to play Buckley on the right and rely on Bridge to get forward to provide width on the left. That keeps a central midfield 3. If needed, CMS would be more than willing to cover the vacant wide area when the oppo have possession.

Thoughts?

Keep up the good work, Vegas!

Report this post »

fratsomrover says...
2:44pm Mon 28 Jan 13

A fine debut which bodes well for the rest of the season. Not sure about him playing with CMS though. If Gus favours the 5 in midfield option with the big guy up front, there will be no place for CMS. Bridcutt and Hammond as central players with Buckley, Barnes and Vincente would be a good formation. That still leaves Orlandi, Lopez, Dicker, Croft, Dobbie, KLL, Hoskins et al on the sideline.
TBH, Macca's miss at the end of the game highlighted his weakness at this level. Too easily pushed off. If Ulloa had still been on, I reckon he would have scored.

Report this post »

Hovite says...
3:11pm Mon 28 Jan 13

fratsomrover, it could have just as easily been a penalty at the end.

Anyway, we have to remember that CMS had all the pressure without the service last season, so the pressure is off him now. Psychologically I am sure he will perform better for it, still more to come from him.

Report this post »

VegasSeagull says...
3:36pm Mon 28 Jan 13

WestStander, thanks for your kind words.

If as you suggest Poyet goes for the, 'lop sided,' approach that would seem to rule out Barnes if Buckley gets the nod, I am not sure Gus would do that.

Kezenga, has occasion, operated thru the middle, I think CMS could do the same.
What I have suggested is somewhat risky but I think it becomes a trade off.

CMS, can and does, track back quicker than anyone we put on the park, and with his pace he can spearhead a counter attack just as quick. As I said the lop sided approach would probabaly mean that Barnes loses his place, and I would see that as a negative. I am looking for an extra edge to our strike force rather than a shuffle to what we have.

Barnes and Buckley out wide with Ulloa up front and CMS operating out of midfield with Bridcutt and Hammond.would leave us with our back five in place.
This line up would give us that extra cutting edge but yes we lose a little in midfield defense but only a little, IMHO.

Report this post »

Old Scrote of the Amex says...
3:46pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Dr Baldhead wrote:
mark by the sea wrote:
Smartbloke wrote:
Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect.

Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Not in the English game, Leo looked a smart player, good touch. But his movement in the area was great, on the shoulder of defender, and never stopped moving.
Gus has decisions to make soon. We have players in developement squad who need releasing.. Plus a lot out of contract in summer.
Forgive me MBTS but I thought you posted on another thread that you didn't go to the game. Amazed that you could tell so much about Ulloa based on the paltry highlights offering served up by ITV!!
I managed to watch the entire game without being at the Amex, so I wouldn't disbelieve MBTS just yet! (PS: it's amazing what you can find on the internet...)

Report this post »

Old Scrote of the Amex says...
3:47pm Mon 28 Jan 13

fratsomrover wrote:
A fine debut which bodes well for the rest of the season. Not sure about him playing with CMS though. If Gus favours the 5 in midfield option with the big guy up front, there will be no place for CMS. Bridcutt and Hammond as central players with Buckley, Barnes and Vincente would be a good formation. That still leaves Orlandi, Lopez, Dicker, Croft, Dobbie, KLL, Hoskins et al on the sideline.
TBH, Macca's miss at the end of the game highlighted his weakness at this level. Too easily pushed off. If Ulloa had still been on, I reckon he would have scored.
To be fair to CMS, he WAS being foulded by his marker, and CMS is not a big fella.

Report this post »

Old Scrote of the Amex says...
3:48pm Mon 28 Jan 13

...fouled...

Report this post »

fratsomrover says...
3:57pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
...fouled...
Possibly he was, I sit on the half way line so I was 60m away, but no foul was given so I have to accept it was a legal challenge that he was unable to stand up to. Strength to withstand physical challenges are an important part of a footballer's art, but I accept he's not the biggest or strongest.

Report this post »

mark by the sea says...
4:14pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
Dr Baldhead wrote:
mark by the sea wrote:
Smartbloke wrote:
Sublime cross from Barnes for Ulloa's goal, after Argie Leo had pointed out exactly where he wanted it. An exciting partnership in prospect.

Also - diving headers... I thought they were a lost art. Clearly not.
Not in the English game, Leo looked a smart player, good touch. But his movement in the area was great, on the shoulder of defender, and never stopped moving.
Gus has decisions to make soon. We have players in developement squad who need releasing.. Plus a lot out of contract in summer.
Forgive me MBTS but I thought you posted on another thread that you didn't go to the game. Amazed that you could tell so much about Ulloa based on the paltry highlights offering served up by ITV!!
I managed to watch the entire game without being at the Amex, so I wouldn't disbelieve MBTS just yet! (PS: it's amazing what you can find on the internet...)
Yes watched highlights . His first goal and second . Plus watched him on YouTube with his goals.

Report this post »

Hovite says...
4:20pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
...fouled...
Thanks for correcting yourself, I thought foulded may have been a real word to describe an event. I may have been tempted to use it nyself in the future so your correction saves me looking an idiot

Report this post »

Falmer Wizard says...
4:33pm Mon 28 Jan 13

If Gus gives Ullo and CMS home games together up front we can hopefully look forward to some exciting games at the Amex,it would be too much to expect that formation away from home.

Report this post »

WestStander17 says...
4:40pm Mon 28 Jan 13

VegasSeagull wrote:
WestStander, thanks for your kind words. If as you suggest Poyet goes for the, 'lop sided,' approach that would seem to rule out Barnes if Buckley gets the nod, I am not sure Gus would do that. Kezenga, has occasion, operated thru the middle, I think CMS could do the same. What I have suggested is somewhat risky but I think it becomes a trade off. CMS, can and does, track back quicker than anyone we put on the park, and with his pace he can spearhead a counter attack just as quick. As I said the lop sided approach would probabaly mean that Barnes loses his place, and I would see that as a negative. I am looking for an extra edge to our strike force rather than a shuffle to what we have. Barnes and Buckley out wide with Ulloa up front and CMS operating out of midfield with Bridcutt and Hammond.would leave us with our back five in place. This line up would give us that extra cutting edge but yes we lose a little in midfield defense but only a little, IMHO.
I was just suggesting a way to get Ulloa and CMS in the team. Basically, I only see CMS playing as a proper centre forward or in one of the wider positions joining Ulloa. I don't think he has the right attributes to play anywhere else.

At this moment in time, I agree, I'd pick Barnes before CMS. Barnes, as we've seen can fill a number of positions. In my lopsided suggestion, he could play as one of the 3 central midfielders if Buckley is the winger.

It is very much a squad we have now so picking a strongest 11 is almost pointless. We have players to cover injuries, dips in form and offer different options in the same general shape of the team. Even if we picked our strongest 11s, Gus will be changing and rotating depending on fitness, form, game situation etc anyway.

But, to sum up, I don't see CMS playing anywhere else apart from right up top or joining Ulloa from a wider position. Barnes, Dobbie, Vicente, Lopez, Orlandi and maybe a couple of others could all play that "number 10" position but I don't think CMS really could due to his lack of first touch, vision, passing. I like CMS and I hope we keep him as he is a different option to Ulloa but I don't think he is someone you can move into deeper positions like we have with Barnes.

Report this post »

Howie2 says...
5:07pm Mon 28 Jan 13

There was no doubt in my mind that Jenkinson pushed CMS with his forearm in his back. I have seen penalties given for that before but most referees seem very reluctant to penalise the use of arms in the penalty area. Anywhere else on the pitch he probably would have given it.

Report this post »

VegasSeagull says...
5:28pm Mon 28 Jan 13

WestStander it will be fun to see how Gus uses Ulloa and CMS but I would point out one comment Gus made. Gus made it very clear recently that Ulloa was not bought to replace CMS, he was bought to work, 'with,' CMS.
That could mean that you are right, CMS out wide. It might mean my idea has some legs. It might even mean a 4-4-2 is possibly on the cards. At least now we have options.

I am not very keen on bringing in the extra striker when the game is being played and usually because we are a goal down with just 20 minutes remaining.
I prefer having the extra striker start so as to take the lead rather than chase a draw.

Report this post »

jonsyl says...
5:43pm Mon 28 Jan 13

well played boys, an unlucky result for you but you played your hearts out and gave us 94 mins of exciting football.Your new member of the squad also had a great start and looks as if he will fit in well. congratulations to him. Now you can concentrate on getting up the table and nailing that first six place in the league. You can do it with a few decisions going your way hopefully.It was lovely to watch you live on tv from so far away in south africa and I look forward to seeing you on tv more often.
your joburg fan

Report this post »

jonsyl says...
5:43pm Mon 28 Jan 13

well played boys, an unlucky result for you but you played your hearts out and gave us 94 mins of exciting football.Your new member of the squad also had a great start and looks as if he will fit in well. congratulations to him. Now you can concentrate on getting up the table and nailing that first six place in the league. You can do it with a few decisions going your way hopefully.It was lovely to watch you live on tv from so far away in south africa and I look forward to seeing you on tv more often.
your joburg fan

Report this post »

patcham albion says...
6:04pm Mon 28 Jan 13

I think CMS may be finding himself on the bench a bit from now on.He works so hard but he is not in the same class as Ulloa, the championship is a really tough physical league and he is not strong enough.People tend to forget he has played in this div before and did not score then either,a top guy and a real team player but not at this level

Report this post »

Old Scrote of the Amex says...
6:42pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Hovite wrote:
Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
...fouled...
Thanks for correcting yourself, I thought foulded may have been a real word to describe an event. I may have been tempted to use it nyself in the future so your correction saves me looking an idiot
Always worth correcting an ambiguity to avoid being persecuted by typo-hating-spelling
-nazis. I don't need to be nailded to a cross.

Report this post »

Hovite says...
7:16pm Mon 28 Jan 13

There is that as well OSA.

Report this post »

Graydog says...
9:51pm Mon 28 Jan 13

Another comment from one who was 5,000 miles away from the game .....

as great as it was to see Ulloa bounce away from his bothersome marker to dive and head in Barnes's measured cross, the moment that will stay with me, in what was a super game throughout, was Ashley's forceful header for the first goal.

Very similar to Zizou's first in the 1998 World Cup Final against Brazil.
Corner from the right, and as soon as that ball is in flight you can see one player coming through the crowd who is destined to get to it first.

Not necessarily bad defending by Arsenal.

If the determined attacker times the run toward the near post just right, rising above opponents and even team-mates, it's very hard to defend against.

Here's to seeing more of that on the march toward the Premiership.

Report this post »

stumoran says...
10:04pm Mon 28 Jan 13

we've only had a few quality strikers in the Ulloa mould in past 20 years or so.......besides Murray the other one that springs to mind in Mike Small, and he formed a great partnership with John Byrne back in 1991 when we were so close to making the top flight. Byrne was a similar player to CMS, whereas Mike Small was a big physical striker who worked hard and held the ball up well, scoring a ton of goals in the 6 yard box and with his head. Anyone remember how many Small had that year? It was at least 20 I think

Report this post »

mr punch says...
12:11am Tue 29 Jan 13

Hovite wrote:
mo I mever jave rhat kroblem byself
I suppose Iasked for that one ladshaha.

Report this post »

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree