Ulises Davila: A Mex of talent

I was a little surprised when I saw that Chelsea had signed a new player; mainly because it was hardly reported on. Apparently he was Mexico’s best player in the 2011 U20 World Cup, but I think he’s as well known as I am in Kenya. His name: Ulises Alejandro Davila Plascencia  – or Ulises Davila for short (thank goodness).

Born on 19th April 1991, the 20-year-old was bought up in Guadalajara, Mexico, and began his football career with his hometown club, also known as Chivas. He instantly won a few minor trophies including the Manchester United Premier Cup and National Youth Championship in 2005, where he scored the only goal of the game against Pachuca.

His impressive skills in attack soon resulted in a Primera Division debut on 27th August 2009, where he again played against Pachuca in a 2-2 draw. Since then he managed 21 appearances for Chivas but unfortunately failed to score. Not a very good sign then.

However, Davila’s trophy cabinet is still fuller than Arsenal’s as his Mexico side were crowned 2011 CONCACAF U20 champions thanks to the attacking midfielder’s brace in the final against Costa Rica. The team also finished third in the Fifa U20 World Cup where he scored one goal.

Already focused on buying youth players, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was keen on bringing the Mexican to the Bridge and there forth, on the 27th August, Davila’s name was up on our screens following his five-year deal.  He has now traced the footprints of ex-Chivas players Javier Hernandez of Manchester United, a very successful player already, Carlos Vela of Arsenal, capable of scoring a goal or two in the league, and Carlos Salcido of Fulham, erm yeh.

So then, I think it’s safe to say that Davila is quite low in Chelsea’s pecking order but I hope he will play for the reserves rather than sit on the bench. This should gradually build up his experience of English football as well as prepare him for the tougher challenges of the Premier League in the future.

Aaron Aquilina