Leeds United have had numerous quality strikers over the years, including the Argentinian poacher Luciano Becchio.
Becchio quickly became a cult hero during Leeds United’s years in the wilderness of the EFL over the last 15 years. In his first season in League One, the Argentine centre-forward notched 15 goals and an assist in 45 games.
However, he is most well known for a goal that year in what was another play-off campaign for the Whites, with a semi-final strike against Millwall at Elland Road, which still remains a popular goal among supporters, despite them crashing out on aggregate.
With Leeds promoted, they will be eyeing a move for a new star striker this summer. And Becchio knows all about what it takes to be the main man and focal point of the attack for Leeds after a promotion as well.
Luciano Becchio makes Leeds United striker plea
Becchio has been promoted himself, with a win over Bristol Rovers sealing the club’s promotion in 2010, and his own good form continued into the second tier after Jermaine Beckford left to join Everton, where Becchio established himself as one of the most formidable marksmen in the league.
He scored 20 goals and collected another nine assists in 44 games in all competitions, as Leeds finished seventh. Becchio eventually left Leeds in 2013 with 87 goals and 20 assists in 221 games for the Whites.
However, it’s evident Becchio still watches Leeds and has all season. Speaking via Leeds Live, he has outlined the importance of a No.9, explaining his apprehension over Joel Piroe.
There is cause for concern regarding his ability to be a success in the Premier League given his inconsistent goal scoring form, his lack of intensity in his playing style, and lack of speed.
Becchio said: “I don’t know who will stay, but we definitely need a goalscoring striker.
“Leeds needs a 100% scoring striker. This will really strengthen the team, because this year we were creating a lot of chances but not scoring.”
“[Piroe] is a great striker with a lot of quality, but he’s not a goalscoring forward. He can play as a second striker very well, linking up with his teammates to create chances.
“They have to make good signings. I think [overall] it’s important to bring in three or four players with Premier League experience. That will give the group a boost and strengthen it.”
Becchio has been at Elland Road watching Leeds on occasion since his departure from the club, and it’s clear Leeds had a lasting impression on the 41-year-old.
Luciano Becchio’s career after leaving Leeds United
After leaving Leeds, Becchio struggled to adapt to life in the top flight. In two Premier League seasons, he made 13 appearances and failed to score, often flattering to deceive with the Canaries. He would eventually move to Rotherham on loan to rediscover his form.
| Luciano Becchio’s career stats in English football | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Leeds United | 221 | 87 | 20 |
| Norwich City | 16 | 0 | 1 |
| Rotherham United | 7 | 2 | 0 |
That would all but end his career with Norwich, where Becchio made 16 appearances and failed to score a single goal. It may well be a decision he has come to regret, given the adulation and respect he had among Leeds supporters.
Becchio blamed Neil Warnock for his Leeds departure but his legacy at Elland Road remains strong to this day. He retired in 2017 after spells in Spain and Argentina to end his career.
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