It would be easy to overlook Hugo Rodallega in a list of the English Premier League’s top strikers; he is obviously surrounded and subsequently overshadowed by garlanded peers such as Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie and Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
The aforementioned have all made major impacts both for club and country, while Rodallega has plugged away diligently for the perennially unfashionable Wigan and has failed to shine internationally with an underperforming Colombia side.
But, put any one of Torres, Van Persie and Suarez in Rodallega’s position at Wigan and it would be very interesting to make comparisons.
Hugo Rodallega’s Background
Born in the small town of El Carmelo, outside of the southern city of Cali in Colombia, Rodallega was first contracted to Deportes Quindío. Here he caught the attentions of various clubs notching up 20 goals in 43 appearances. A move to Deportivo Cali came rapidly and his goal scoring prowess was never in doubt with an impressive 12 goals in 26 appearances.
Rodallega in Mexico
Given Rodallega’s showing in the 2005 South American U20 Championship (11 goals in 9 appearances) it is no wonder that the high paying and solid Mexican League came knocking. In 2006 he signed with Monterrey (4 goals in 29 games) failing to make a significant mark and was loaned out to Atlas (5 goals in 17 games). In 2007 he moved on, now playing for Necaxa and found his footing once again (25 goals in 53 games). It was then that a move to Europe beckoned.
Steve Bruce Signs Rodallega
It has never been disputed that Wigan would be a stepping stone for greater things in Europe for Rodallega as it has been for other players in the same team. Just look at Charles N'Zogbia and Wilson Palacios both of whom enjoyed big money transfers to more prestigious clubs. So who would have thought Rodallega would have stayed three seasons in the northwest.
Possibly this is due to his profligacy for the Colombian national side (8 goals in 40 games), hardly a tally to allow his name to flourish as one habitually associated with goal scoring, and to become associated with summer transfer speculation such as that of his compatriot the Porto striker Radamel Falcao.
But, maybe things are turning around for the 26 year old, as his contract with Wigan is up at the end of the season and there are several high profile suitors lurking in the wings. Purchased by Steve Bruce in 2008 for 4.5 million pounds (US$7,45 million) everyone from Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool and even Stoke have been linked with the Colombian.
Of course, it’s all speculation for the most part, but Wigan will want at least 9 million pounds (US$15 million) for this charismatic force who has become their top ever Premiership marksman with 22 goals in 89 games.
One thing’s for certain, Hugo Rodallega will be fondly remembered for his important goals for this side, not least the one in their final game of the 2010-2011 season in a 1-0 victory versus Stoke City that kept Wigan in the Premiership.
Wigan should cash in now.
Richard McColl - I am a freelance writer from deepest darkest London but for the past 10 years or so I have been maintaining my extended "writing break" in ...
