David JamesAsking your players who their toughest opponent was over the course of the season is something Nigel Pearson should do in the January transfer window. At least that’s what one can gather from the way Leandro Ulloa arrived at the King Power Stadium from Brighton and established himself as a Premier League quality centre forward. Nigel Pearson sang his strikers praises, saying “Leo has settled in very well and has had an outstanding start in terms of goal return. His all-round play has been excellent.”
There’s only one Pele was chanted on the favelas of Brazil’s Rio De Janerio during the players World Cup exploits and they were right at the time. Now in a new adaptation an L has been added and it is Southampton’s fans that are cherishing a player that looks the complete centre forward. Already he looks to have bagged the goal of the season award with an outlandish cushioned touch that was followed by a crisply executed bicycle kick. In the same game, Charlie Austin had struck a superb strike of his own, only to be left overshadowed by the now Italian International. He was recently called up and will look to lead the line for Italy ahead of Mario Balotelli. I know who I would rather upfront if a match was in the balance.
Burnley may be struggling to adapt to the Premier League, though Scott Arfield isn’t. He is accomplished in possession, can tackle and offers goals to boot. Scoring the opener in the encounter in the game versus Chelsea with aplomb and being an ever present in Burnley’s rise and attempt to stay in the Premier League will have enhanced his credentials as a player and other clubs. For Burnley’s sake it will be hoped that he stay’s at Turf Moor as he is integral to their Premier League survival.