Lucho González

Luis Óscar "Lucho" González (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈlutʃo ɣonˈsales];[2] born 19 January 1981) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for Club Athletico Paranaense from Brazil. A versatile midfielder who is able to play in different positions but mainly in the centre, he is well known for his fierce shot, passing skills and hardworking style, being affectionately known as El Comandante (the commander) due to his leadership skills.[3][4]

Lucho González
González playing with Marseille in 2010
Personal information
Full name Luis Óscar González[1]
Date of birth (1981-01-19) 19 January 1981[1]
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Argentina[1]
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1]
Playing position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Athletico Paranaense
Number 3
Youth career
1995–1998 Huracán
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2002 Huracán 110 (11)
2002–2005 River Plate 82 (18)
2005–2009 Porto 111 (32)
2009–2012 Marseille 87 (15)
2012–2014 Porto 57 (8)
2014–2015 Al Rayyan 26 (8)
2015–2016 River Plate 17 (1)
2016– Athletico Paranaense 83 (4)
National team
2003–2011 Argentina 45 (6)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 9 August 2020

After starting with Huracán and River Plate, he signed for Porto in 2005, going on to have two separate spells at the club and appear in more than 200 official games, winning nine major titles. He also played in France with Marseille.

An Argentine international on 45 occasions, González represented his country in the 2006 World Cup and two Copa América tournaments.

Club career

Early years and Porto

Born in Buenos Aires, González began his career at Club Atlético Huracán at the age of 14, making his Primera División debut on 29 April 1999 in a 1–2 home loss against Racing Club de Avellaneda. Three years later he transferred to another side in his hometown, Club Atlético River Plate, where he was a very important first-team member in the conquest of back-to-back Clausura tournaments, contributing with 56 games and nine goals combined.

González's performances at River earned him a deal with Portugal's FC Porto in 2005, signing a five-year contract.[5] In his first season he scored ten goals in 30 matches, including braces against Académica de Coimbra (5–1),[6] F.C. Penafiel (3–1)[7] and Vitória de Guimarães (3–1), helping the northerners to the first of their four consecutive Primeira Liga titles.[8]

At Porto, González eventually became team captain. In November 2006, he signed an improved five-year contract and, in August of the following year, the club paid €6.65 million to Global Soccer Agencies (later renamed Rio Football Services) to achieve full ownership of the player, activating the clause by rejecting an offer from Everton.[9][10]

Lucho remained a fan favorite at the Estádio do Dragão for the duration of his link. On 22 March 2009, he netted against C.F. Estrela da Amadora in the first leg of the Taça de Portugal semi-finals (2–0 home win, 3–2 on aggregate),[11] whilst during the league campaign, he scored nine times in only 23 games to help Porto to the fourth title in a row (the season ended with the double conquest).[12]

Marseille

2009–10 season

In June 2009, González was sold to Olympique de Marseille in France for a fee of €18 million, with the possibility of an increase to €24 million depending on the player's performance.[13] He scored his first official goal for his new club on 19 September, opening the scoring in a 4–2 home win against Montpellier HSC,[14] and also found the net on 26 November, in the UEFA Champions League group stage draw against A.C. Milan at the San Siro (1–1).[15] On 5 December, again in Ligue 1, he scored the 2–1 against OGC Nice in the 77th minute, in an eventual 3–1 triumph against the ten-men hosts.[16]

González warming up for Marseille in 2010

On 8 December 2009, González scored against Real Madrid but also missed a penalty kick later in the game in an eventual 1–3 home loss in the Champions League, with the subsequent relegation to the UEFA Europa League,[17] with the team ending their run in the competition at the round-of-16.

After the winter break, González netted in the 5–1 home thrashing of Valenciennes FC, opening the score in the 33rd minute.[18] Previously, in late January 2010, he also helped Marseille reach the Coupe de la Ligue final, finding the net against Lille OSC in the quarter-finals (2–1).[19] On 28 February 2010, he scored once in a 3–0 away win against Paris Saint-Germain FC, which left L'OM in fourth place;[20] he finished his first season with 32 games and five goals, as the team eventually won the league/league cup double.

2010–11 season

González scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season on 29 August 2010, in a 1–1 away draw against FC Girondins de Bordeaux.[21] A month later, he netted the winning goal against FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, in a 2–1 home win.[22] On 3 November, he grabbed a brace in a 7–0 away routing of MŠK Žilina, in the campaign's Champions League,[23] as Marseille was eventually ousted in the last-16 by eventual finalists Manchester United.

On 12 February 2011, Lucho provided an assist for André-Pierre Gignac, helping his team defeat Sochaux 2–1 away from home.[24] In Marseille's next game, he opened the score in a 2–1 win over AS Saint-Étienne.[25]

On 11 March 2011, González scored the second goal in a 2–0 win against Stade Rennais FC, keeping the pressure on Lille in the title race.[26] He assisted for Benoit Cheyrou's goal in a 1–0 away success over RC Lens early into the following month,[27] and also started in the French League Cup final, won against Montpellier by the same result.[28]

Due to his solid performances, González was linked with a transfer to Arsenal in England, in early May 2011.[29] But he sought to allay these fears and show his commitment to the club by saying that "I don't know why there are so many things said about this at the moment. It annoys me a bit. At no time has it left my mouth that I wanted to leave or that I didn't feel good here. I have a contract with OM until 2013 and the people at the club seem happy with me."[30]

On 8 May 2011, Marseille faced title challengers Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade de Gerland, and González scored in an eventual 2–3 loss,[31] with his team eventually finishing second to champions Lille. After the season ended, chairman Jean-Claude Dassier confirmed that the player was seeking an exit from the club, amidst interest of several teams.[32]

González lining up for Porto in 2013

2011–12 season

Despite the constant speculation, González remained with Marseille for 2011–12. In the first matchday, he opened the scoring in the 38th minute against Sochaux, in an eventual 2–2 home draw.[33] On 13 September, he netted the game's only goal at Olympiacos F.C. for the Champions League group stage, where he also earned Man of the match accolades.[34]

Return to Porto

On 30 January 2012, after 119 official appearances for Marseille, González returned to Porto, signing until June 2014.[35][36] He scored in his first game in his second spell, a 2–0 win against Vitória F.C. for the Taça da Liga.[37]

On 31 March 2012, Lucho opened the scoring in a 2–0 home victory over S.C. Olhanense for his first league goal since returning.[38]

Later years

On 27 January 2014, González signed with Qatari club Al Rayyan SC, initially until June.[39] On 16 September 2016, after a second spell with River Plate, the 35-year-old joined Brazil's Club Athletico Paranaense.[40]

International career

Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, González made his first appearance with the Argentine national team on 31 January 2003 against Honduras.[41] He went on to represent the nation in the 2004 Copa América, scoring two goals during the tournament as the country lost the final on penalties to Brazil.[42]

González also played with the team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics.[43] In 2006, he was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in which Argentina, managed by José Pekerman, lost to hosts Germany in the quarter-finals on penalties.[44]

Subsequently, González was part of the Alfio Basile–led squad at 2007 Copa América, where the Albiceleste was again defeated by Brazil in the decisive match, now 3–0.[45]

International goals
Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result CompetitionRef
131 January 2003Olímpico Metropolitano, San Pedro Sula, Honduras Honduras1–21–3Friendly[46]
28 February 2003Orange Bowl, Miami, United States United States0–10–1Friendly[47]
37 July 2004Elías Aguirre, Chiclayo, Peru Ecuador6–16–12004 Copa América[48]
420 July 2004Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru Colombia2–03–02004 Copa América[49]
59 October 2004Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina Uruguay1–04–22006 World Cup qualification[50]
61 April 2009Hernando Siles, La Paz, Bolivia Bolivia1–61–62010 World Cup qualification[51]

Honours
González after winning the 2011 Trophée des Champions

Club

Huracán

  • Argentine Primera B Nacional: 2000

River Plate

Porto

Marseille

Athletico Paranaense

International

Argentina

Individual
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References
  1. "Lucho González" (in Portuguese). Mais Futebol. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  2. In isolation, González is pronounced [ɡonˈsales]. The corresponding Standard European pronunciation is [ɡonˈθaleθ].
  3. El retorno de "El Comandante" Lucho González, el hijo pródigo del Oporto (The return of "El Comandante" Lucho González, Porto's prodigal son) Archived 23 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine; El Diario Vasco, 31 January 2012 (in Spanish)
  4. Lucho: «El Comandante? Não comando ninguém» (Lucho: «El Comandante? I don't command anyone»); Record, 4 December 2012 (in Portuguese)
  5. "Lucho to land at Porto". UEFA. 18 April 2005. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  6. "FC Porto-Académica, 5–1 (Lucho González 11, 90+3, Lisandro López 19, 77, César Peixoto 70; Marcel 90+4)" (in Portuguese). Record. 19 November 2005. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  7. "FC Porto-Penafiel, 3–1: Nem deu para assustar" [FC Porto-Penafiel, 3–1: Not even close to a scare] (in Portuguese). Record. 18 December 2005. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  8. "FC Porto derrota Guimarães por 3–1" [FC Porto defeat Guimarães by 3–1] (in Portuguese). Público. 30 April 2006. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  9. "Lucho staying at Porto". UEFA. 7 August 2007. Retrieved 6 October 2010.
  10. Relatórios de contas 2006–2007 (Finance reports 2006–2007) Archived 27 December 2009 at the Wayback Machine; FC Porto, 2007 (in Portuguese)
  11. "Dragão cheira final do Jamor" [Dragon smells Jamor final] (in Portuguese). Correio da Manhã. 23 March 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  12. Travassos, Nuno (31 May 2009). "Taça de Portugal: F.C. Porto-P. Ferreira, 1–0 (crónica)" [Portuguese Cup: F.C. Porto-P. Ferreira, 1–0 (match report)] (in Portuguese). Mais Futebol. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  13. "Comunicado da FC Porto – Futebol, SAD" [FC Porto – Football, PLSC announcement] (in Portuguese). FC Porto. 30 June 2009. Archived from the original on 12 July 2009. Retrieved 2 July 2009.
  14. Marseille 4–2 Montpellier; ESPN Soccernet, 19 September 2009
  15. Milan kept waiting by spirited OM; UEFA, 26 November 2009
  16. Nice 1–3 Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 5 December 2009
  17. Madrid march on as Marseille miss out; UEFA, 8 December 2009
  18. Marseille 5–1 Valenciennes; ESPN Soccernet, 7 February 2010
  19. Marseille 2–1 Lille; ESPN Soccernet, 27 January 2010
  20. Paris Saint-Germain 0–3 Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 28 February 2010
  21. Bordeaux peg back ten-men; ESPN Soccernet, 29 August 2010
  22. Marseille 2–1 Sochaux; ESPN Soccernet, 25 September 2010
  23. Gignac leads the way for majestic Marseille; UEFA, 3 November 2010
  24. Sochaux 1–2 Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 12 February 2011
  25. Remy goal sends Marseille second; ESPN Soccernet, 19 February 2011
  26. Ligue 1 Preview: Stade Rennes – Olympique De Marseille; Goal, 11 March 2011
  27. "Cheyrou libère l'OM" [Cheyrou frees l’OM] (in French). Football 365. 3 April 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  28. "L'OM conserve son titre" [L'OM retain their title] (in French). Le Figaro. 24 April 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  29. Olympique Marseille's Lucho Gonzalez on Roma radar; Goal, 1 May 2011
  30. Olympique de Marseille’s Lucho Gonzalez calms fears of his departure; Goal, 15 May 2011
  31. Lyon 3–2 Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 8 May 2011
  32. Lucho wants to quit Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 1 June 2011
  33. Remy earns draw for Marseille; ESPN Soccernet, 6 August 2011
  34. Marseille make winning start at Olympiacos; UEFA, 13 September 2011
  35. Gonzalez to return to Porto; ESPN Soccernet, 30 January 2012
  36. Lucho regressa a casa (Lucho returns home) Archived 2 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine; FC Porto, 31 January 2012 (in Portuguese)
  37. "Taca da Liga semi-finals set". PortuGOAL. 5 February 2012. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  38. Last-gasp Bruno Cesar fires Benfica to vital win over Braga; PortuGOAL, 1 April 2012
  39. "Lucho González se va a Qatar" [Lucho González goes to Qatar] (in Spanish). Fox Sports. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  40. "Atlético-PR confirma Lucho González, e Autuori elogia: "Animal competitivo"" [Atlético-PR confirm Lucho González, and Autuori praises: "Competitive animal"] (in Portuguese). Globo Esporte. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  41. Homenaje a Lucho Gonzalez (Homage to Lucho Gonzalez); Taringa! (in Spanish)
  42. World champs beat Argentina on penalties in Copa America final; Sports Illustrated, 25 July 2004
  43. Lucho González – FIFA competition record
  44. "Germany 1–1 Argentina". BBC Sport. 30 June 2006. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  45. "Brasil mantiene la hegemonía continental al imponerse a Argentina 3–0 en la gran final" [Brazil renew continental supremacy after disposing of Argentina 3–0 in the big final] (in Spanish). 20 minutos. 16 July 2007. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  46. "No le quedaba otra que la victoria" [They could only win] (in Spanish). Página/12. 1 February 2003. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  47. "EE.UU. no pudo ante Argentina" [USA could not handle Argentina] (in Spanish). ESPN Deportes. 8 February 2003. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  48. "Argentina aplasta a Ecuador (6–1) con tres goles de Saviola" [Argentina steamroll Ecuador (6–1) with three goals from Saviola] (in Spanish). El País. 8 July 2004. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  49. "Argentina venció 3–0 a Colombia y aseguró el undécimo subcampeonato de la Copa América" [Argentina beat Colombia 3–0 and confirmed eleventh Copa América vice-championship] (in Spanish). El Universo. 20 July 2004. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  50. "Buen debut de José Pekerman de Argentina ante Uruguay" [Good debut of Argentina's José Pekerman against Uruguay] (in Spanish). El Universo. 10 October 2004. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
  51. "Bolivia humilla a Argentina" [Bolivia humiliate Argentina] (in Spanish). Marca. 1 April 2009. Retrieved 7 August 2019.
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