Lucas Biglia

Lucas Biglia

Biglia playing for Argentina in 2011
Personal information
Full name Lucas Rodrigo Biglia
Date of birth (1986-01-30) 30 January 1986
Place of birth Mercedes, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Playing position Defensive midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Lazio
Number 20
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2004–2005 Argentinos Juniors 17 (1)
2005–2006 Independiente 49 (0)
2006–2013 Anderlecht 221 (12)
2013– Lazio 87 (10)
National team‡
2003 Argentina U17 3 (1)
2005 Argentina U20 8 (1)
2011– Argentina 48 (1)

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20 November 2016.

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 26 November 2016

Lucas Rodrigo Biglia (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlukas roˈðɾiɣo ˈβiɣlja];[2] born 30 January 1986)[3] is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Italian club Lazio and the Argentina national football team as a midfielder.

Formerly of Argentinos Juniors and Independiente, he spent seven seasons with Anderlecht, where he made 312 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, winning four league titles.

Biglia's first senior international call-up was in 2011 and he previously played for the Argentina U20 national team, who won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship.[4] He represented his nation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the final, and in three Copa América tournaments, winning runners-up medals in the 2015 and 2016 editions of the tournament.

Club career

Career in Argentina

Biglia started his career at Argentinos Juniors. However, a lack of first team appearances led to Biglia leaving the club after only 17 appearances and one goal scored. In 2005, he moved to Independiente for an undisclosed fee. In the first half of his season there, he made eleven appearances before becoming a first team player the following season, where he played in every game.

Anderlecht

In July 2006, after one and a half-seasons at Independiente, Biglia signed with Belgian Pro League club Anderlecht on a four-year contract [5] where he took up the number five shirt.[6][7] Biglia previously had trials with Spanish side Valencia and Villarreal. At Anderlecht, Biglia was a consistently good performer in midfield, and was made the club captain. Biglia's playing style is often compared with compatriot Fernando Redondo. Biglia is known for his accurate passing and hard tackling

In the 2006–07 season, Biglia made his debut against K. Sint-Truidense on the opening game of the season, coming on for an injured Mark De Man. Anderlecht won the match 4–2. Bigila had a difficult start, having been left out of the Belgian Supercup squad, which Anderlecht won for the second time in a row. Team-mate Yves Vanderhaeghe felt sympathy for him and helped him to settle in Belgium due to his ability to speak Spanish. He also made his Champions League debut, as Anderlecht drew 1–1 against French side Lille in the Group Stage. Bigila would soon become an important player, helping the team win the 2006–07 season. He was also awarded the Young Professional Footballer of the Year.[8][9] Towards the end of the season he scored his first league goal from a penalty kick, as Anderlecht beat Brussels 6–0. The first game of the 2007–2008 season saw him provide an assist for Marcin Wasilewski as Anderlecht beat KV Mechelen 1–0. On 15 December 2007 Biglia signed a contract that kept him at the club until 2012.[10] Anderlecht was unable to defend their league title as Standard Liège took the title in both the 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 seasons. He scored his first European goal in a 2–2 draw against BATE Borisov during the Champions League Qualification. In the January transfer window, he was linked with European clubs such as Barcelona, Inter Milan, Valencia, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. However, he remained at Anderlecht, insisting the club wanted him to stay.

On 17 October 2009, after scoring against Charleroi, Biglia stated that his goal was the greatest goal in his Anderlecht career.[11] Biglia suffered a potentially serious injury to his ligament[12] but managed to recover after it was found to be not as serious as first thought. Despite elimination from the Europa League, the club would win the league title in 2009–10.

The 2010–11 season was unsuccessful and in the January transfer window Galatasaray renewed their interest in him and made a bid of 4.5 million euros. The move never materialised due to a lack of funding.[13]

In 2011–12 season, Biglia signed a new contract that would have kept him at the club until 2015.[14] After the Copa América Biglia said he wanted to leave Anderlecht so that he could test himself in other leagues.[15] Biglia was appointed vice-captain by new manager Ariël Jacobs, with Olivier Deschacht as captain. Biglia was later given captaincy after Deschacht was no longer able to continue the role.[16] His captaincy was met with disapproval by supporters. Towards the end of October, he suffered a shoulder injury which had to be operated on[17] and put him out for four months.[18] He made his return on 15 January 2012, in a 3–0 win over Club Brugge. The club would win the 2011–12 season.

Biglia (wearing number five) in a friendly match against Red Bull Salzburg in 2012.

In the 2012–13 season, Biglia was linked with a move away from Anderlecht, with the likes of Arsenal,[19] Norwich City,[20] Real Madrid and Inter, showing an interest. However he remained at Anderlecht when the summer transfer window closed. In the January transfer window, Biglia again claimed he wanted to leave Anderlecht,[21] with Southampton wanting to sign him.[22] Biglia attempted to force a move by failing to show up for training.[23] After the transfer window ended, the club announced that Biglia would leave the club in the summer, along with Dieumerci Mbokani.[24] Biglia would claim that his absence was due to depression. He also stated that he never wanted to leave the club.[25] Biglia made his first appearance, scoring but also receiving his first red card, as Anderlecht drew 2–2 against Standard. On the last game of the Jupiler Pro League play-off, Biglia scored the equaliser against Zulte Waregem, which gave Anderlecht the title.[26]

Shortly after winning the title, general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck confirmed that Biglia would leave the club. During the final match, he performed a lap of honour for the fans.[27]

Lazio

On 23 July 2013, Italian side Lazio announced that Biglia would be signing a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[28]

Club statistics

As of 20 November 2016
Club Season League Cup Continental Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Independiente 2005–06 70000070
Anderlecht 2006–07 3317060461
2007–08 30180110491
2008–09 3222011353
2009–10 34121122484
2010–11 2602070350
2011–12 3021070382
2012–13 36550100515
Total for Anderlecht 2211227154330216
Lazio 2013–14 2622040322
2014–15 2734100314
2015–16 2743061365
2016–17 7100——71
Career Total 3152236264441528

International career

Youth career

Biglia made his first international appearance for the Argentina U-17 squad and was part of the squad that won South American Under-17 Football Championship, and came third in the FIFA U-17 World Championship. During the U17 World Cup, Biglia scored his first national goal in a semi-final, in a 3–2 loss against Spain.

In 2005, Biglia played for the Argentina U-20 team, participating in the FIFA World Youth Championship.

Senior career

In February 2011, Biglia played his first match for Argentina, in a friendly match against Portugal. During the same year, Biglia was included by manager Sergio Batista ahead of the Copa América tournament, making two brief substitute appearances as the hosts lost to Uruguay in the quarter-finals on a penalty shootout.

On 2 June 2014, Biglia was called up for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. A late substitute in every match up to that point, he was an undisputed starter from the quarter-finals onward, as his nation lost 0–1 to Germany in the final. Biglia also appeared as a starter in five of Argentina's six 2015 Copa América matches, including the final where La Albiceleste lost in a penalty shootout to hosts Chile.[29]

On 17 November 2015, Biglia scored his first international goal in a 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Colombia in Barranquilla.[30]

Biglia was named to Gerardo Martino's 23-man Argentine side that reached the Copa América Centenario Final.[31] He played in the final of the competition against Chile for the full 120-minutes, which ended in a 0–0 draw after extra-time; in the resulting penalty shoot-out, his penalty was saved by Claudio Bravo, and Chile went on to win 4–2 after netting the next kick.[32]

International goals

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1
17 November 2015 Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla, Colombia  Colombia
1–0
1–0
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

Club

Anderlecht
Lazio

International

Argentina

Individual

Personal life

On 20 December 2011, De Standaard reported that Biglia had married his childhood friend, Cecilia Ambrosio. The wedding took place at The Place Tokeh Sands in Freetown, Sierra Leone.[33] [34]

References

  1. ↑ "2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA.com. 11 June 2014. p. 2. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  2. ↑ In isolation, Biglia is pronounced [ˈbiɣlja].
  3. ↑ "Lucas Biglia". Anderlecht. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  4. ↑ "FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 Teams: Argentina". FIFA. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  5. ↑ "The Argentine Lucas Biglia four years at Anderlecht" [L'Argentin Lucas Biglia quatre ans à Anderlecht] (in French). Lalibre.be. 20 May 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  6. ↑ "Lucas Biglia signs 4-year contract". RSCA.be. 20 May 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  7. ↑ "Biglia signs for four seasons at Anderlecht" [Biglia tekent voor 4 seizoenen bij Anderlecht] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 20 May 2006. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "Boussoufa voted best in Belgium". BBC Sport. 18 January 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  9. ↑ "Anderlecht municipality puts Boussoufa and co in the flowers" [Gemeente Anderlecht zet Boussoufa en co in de bloemetjes] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 21 February 2007. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "Biglia extends contract with Anderlecht until 2012" [Biglia verlengt contract bij Anderlecht tot 2012] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 14 December 2007. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  11. ↑ "My greatest goal for Anderlecht '" ['Mijn mooiste doelpunt voor Anderlecht'] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 19 October 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  12. ↑ "Biglia injury is not too bad" [Blessure Biglia valt mee] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 28 December 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  13. ↑ "Biglia not relocated to Galatasaray" [Biglia verkast niet naar Galatasaray] (in Dutch). De Morgen. 8 January 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  14. ↑ "Lucas Biglia extends contract with Anderlecht until 2015" [Lucas Biglia verlengt contract bij Anderlecht tot 2015] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  15. ↑ "Biglia seeks Anderlecht exit". Sky Sports. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  16. ↑ "Olivier Deschacht gives captaincy off" [Olivier Deschacht geeft aanvoerdersband af] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 28 September 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  17. ↑ "Anderlecht's Lucas Biglia to undergo shoulder surgery this week". Goal.com. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  18. ↑ "Captain Argentina international Lucas Biglia out for four months". Best Sports Games and Beyond. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  19. ↑ "Biglia on Wenger agenda". Sky Sports. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  20. ↑ "Canaries to swoop for Biglia". Sky Sports. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  21. ↑ "Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia admits he could leave the club in January". Sky Sports. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  22. ↑ "Transfer news: Southampton want Lucas Biglia and Joan Verdu". Sky Sports. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  23. ↑ "Reported Premier League target Lucas Biglia fails to show up for Anderlecht training". Sky Sports. 12 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  24. ↑ "Anderlecht prepared to part with Dieumerci Mbokani and Lucas Biglia in the summer". Sky Sports. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  25. ↑ "Biglia: I was on the edge of depression". Goal.com. 8 March 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  26. ↑ "Difficult draw against Anderlecht Zulte delivers title" [Moeizame remise tegen Zulte bezorgt Anderlecht titel] (in Dutch). Voetbal International. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  27. ↑ "Biglia confirms departure from Anderlecht, Jovanovic and Mbokani may follow" [Biglia bevestigt vertrek bij Anderlecht, Jovanovic en Mbokani volgen wellicht] (in Dutch). HLN.be. 19 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  28. ↑ "Biglia is (finally) of Lazio" [Biglia is (eindelijk) van Lazio] (in Dutch). Sporza. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  29. ↑ "Chile 0–0 Argentina". BBC. 5 July 2015.
  30. ↑ "Biglia goal gives Argentina vital win over Colombia". SBS. 18 November 2015.
  31. ↑ "Carlos Tevez, Paulo Dybala left off Argentina's Copa America squad". ESPN FC. 20 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  32. ↑ Doug McIntyre (26 June 2016). "Chile keep Lionel Messi at bay in defence of Copa America crown". ESPN FC. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  33. ↑ "Lucas Biglia married in Buenos Aires" [Lucas Biglia getrouwd in Buenos Aire] (in Dutch). De Standaard. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  34. ↑ "Chase hots up for Biglia". Sky Sports. 8 April 2009. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
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