Luis Ibáñez

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Luis Ibáñez
Personal information
Full name Luis Ezequiel Ibáñez
Date of birth (1988-07-15) 15 July 1988 (age 35)
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Argentina
Height Script error: No such module "person height".
Position(s) Left back / Left wingback
Team information
Current team
 Red Star Belgrade
Number 20
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008 Boca Juniors 2 (0)
2008–2015 Dinamo Zagreb 119 (13)
2013–2014 → Racing Club (loan) 16 (0)
2015 Győri ETO 11 (0)
2015– Red Star Belgrade 19 (5)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16 December 2015

Luis Ezequiel Ibáñez (born 15 July 1988), nicknamed Lucho,[1][2] is an Argentine professional footballer who plays for the Serbian SuperLiga club Red Star Belgrade.

Ibáñez started his professional career at Boca Juniors in his native Argentina, debuting for the club in 2008. He made only two official appearances in Argentine Primera División, and in the summer transfer window of the 2008–09 season he joined Dinamo Zagreb for a fee of €650,000. His first season at Dinamo Zagreb went well, as he was praised by the Croatian football critics for his performances and work rate on the pitch. He made a total of 119 official appearances for Dinamo Zagreb, scored 13 goals, and also won four domestic thropies, two of which were league titles, and one of Croatian Cup and Supercup each.

Luis Ibáñez also holds Croatian citizenship and is therefore not considered a foreign player in the EU.

Background

Luis Ezequiel Ibáñez is an Argentine, born on 15 July 1988 in Buenos Aires[citation needed] to Jorge and Alejandra. His parents are divorced and he currently resides with his father in Zagreb, Croatia. He has three younger sisters, Carla, Camilla and Valentina who along with their mother live in Argentina. Since their mother is currently unemployed, Ibáñez financially supports his family.[3][4] He is engaged to Mateja Alegić,[5] an economics student and a daughter of the Croatian entrepreneur Darko Alegić. The two have been in a relationship since June 2009 having previously met via online chat.[4] Ibáñez has declared that they are planning to marry when Alegić graduates from university.[6]

According to the official webpage of Dinamo Zagreb, Ibáñez is 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall,[7] and weighs 69 kg (152 lbs or 10.9 stone).[8][9] Besides speaking his native Spanish, Ibáñez is also fluent in Croatian. While in Dinamo Zagreb, he was a translator for South American players who were unable to understand or speak Croatian.[2][4] He is also known for having a tattooed autograph of a former Argentine football player Diego Maradona on his shoulder.[10]

On 24 December 2010, Ibáñez announced that he had submitted a request to obtain Croatian citizenship which would make him eligible to play for the country's national football team, he had earlier declared himself willing to compete for Croatia instead of Argentina at international level.[11][12]

Club career

Boca Juniors

Ibáñez started playing football professionally for Boca Juniors in Argentine Primera División, making his official debut for the club on 19 April 2008 in a 2–1 win against Newell's Old Boys.[citation needed] Ibáñez featured in another league match on 17 May, again in a 2–1 win, this time against Racing Club.[citation needed] Just as he started his breakthrough to the first team squad of Boca Juniors, he heard that the Croatian league club Dinamo Zagreb was interested in signing him. After consulting with his family and agent, he decided to accept the offer from Dinamo Zagreb and continue his footballing career in Europe.[13] The transfer worth €650,000 was arranged on 11 June and Ibáñez officially joined Dinamo Zagreb two weeks later.[14]

Dinamo Zagreb

First season

On 25 June 2008, Ibáñez signed a five-year contract worth €300,000 per annum[4] with Dinamo Zagreb along with fellow Argentine footballer Guillermo Suárez who was transferred from Club Atlético Tigre. The two were also the first ever Argentine footballers to play for the club. He was presented to the Croatian media as a successor to Hrvoje Čale and competition to Carlos Santos on the left back position, and was issued a number 3 jersey.[15] The club then signed another left flank player Mirko Hrgović on 18 July,[16] who would quickly establish himself as a first-choice left back for the club, which eventually saw Ibáñez failing to make an appearance in a couple of early season matches.[13][17] He was meant to play in his first official match for the club on 23 July in the Champions League first qualifying round against Linfield, but was disrupted by a shoulder injury.[18] His debut appearance for Dinamo Zagreb came on 17 August in a 6–0 league win against Cibalia.[14] Eleven days later, he also debuted in the Champions League, making an appearance as a substitute in a 3–1 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk.[citation needed] Soon he established himself as a first team regular and was subject to constant praise by the Croatian football critics for his performances and commitment to the club.[13]

File:Luis Ibánez 2008.jpg
Ibáñez in training with Dinamo Zagreb in 2008

Ibáñez played in his first Eternal derby on 21 September which Dinamo Zagreb lost 2–0 at home grounds.[citation needed] On 19 October he scored his first goal for the club in a league match against Šibenik from a 45-yard direct free kick which made the final score 2–2.[19] On 23 October he played in the club's first UEFA Cup group match against NEC, which Dinamo Zagreb won 3–2.[citation needed] After the match, NEC manager Mario Been said that Ibáñez was among the Dinamo Zagreb players that impressed him the most with their game.[20] He was named the man of the match for his performance in the club's third UEFA Cup group match on 27 November which ended in a 1–0 defeat against Spartak Moscow. After the match, he released a press comment stating that he grew as a player since arriving at the club and that he is pleased with how fast he was able to adapt to the new team.[21] His last match in 2008 came on 7 December in a 3–1 league win against NK Zagreb.[citation needed]

His next appearance, and first in 2009, came almost three months later, on 1 March in a league match against Slaven Belupo.[citation needed] After that he made a string of six consecutive appearances in the league, which ended with a match against Inter Zaprešić on 11 April. He made three more appearances before the end of the season, reaching a total number of 23 league appearances for the club, five of which he made an appearance as a substitute. He also started in all of the club's UEFA Cup matches.[citation needed] The club went on to win the double, and Ibáñez helped with 7 appearances in the Croatian Cup, also scoring a goal against Hrvatski dragovoljac in the second round of the competition. On 13 May in the first leg of the Cup finals against Hajduk Split he came into the match as a late substitute, while he failed to make an appearance in the second leg a fortnight later.[22] He made a total of 37 appearances throughout his first season with the club, scored two goals and made one assist.[22] In the post-season break he picked up an injury which then ruled him out for three months.[23]

2009–2015

Ibáñez made his first appearance of the new season and marked his return following an off-season injury on 8 August in a league match against Croatia Sesvete which Dinamo Zagreb won 5–2.[24] His next appearance came one month later, in a league tie against Inter Zaprešić on 12 September.[citation needed] On 5 November he played his first European match of the season in the fourth round of 2009–10 UEFA Europa League group stage against Ajax.[citation needed] On 25 November he scored a goal against Pomorac in the first leg of 2009–10 Croatian Cup quarterfinals.[25] In Europa League, he played full match in 1–0 away win against Anderlecht on 2 December and featured in 2–1 home defeat against FC Timişoara on 17 December.[26] He made only 9 league appearances for the club before the winter break, the last one being against Međimurje on 6 December.[27]

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"Ibáñez is the best Croatian left back since Robert Jarni. To all the others, he's a color television."

–Zdravko Mamić, executive vice president of Dinamo Zagreb.[12]

He made his first appearance in the 2010 on 27 February in a 6–0 league win over Croatia Sesvete. Ibáñez then played full 90 minutes in five consecutive league matches until 3 April when he got injured in a match against Rijeka.[citation needed] He sustained a broken mandible in a collision with Alen Pamić during an aerial challenge. Despite the injury Ibáñez decided to play in the Croatian Cup semifinals against Hajduk Split. He played until the 79th minute of the match when he was substituted. After the match he underwent surgery, although he reportedly asked manager Jurčić to play one more league match against Lokomotiva.[28][29] He returned to action on 1 May in a league match against Hajduk Split which ended in a goalless draw.[citation needed] Ibáñez made a total of 18 league appearances in his second consecutive title-winning season with the club.[citation needed] In Croatian Cup, he featured in six matches and scored one goal.[25]

The 2010–11 season for Ibáñez started on 13 July when he played in a 5–1 home win against FC Koper in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.[citation needed] On 17 July he won his first title of the season, making an appearance as a substitute in 2010 Croatian Supercup match against Hajduk Split which Dinamo Zagreb won 1–0.[30] On 24 July he played the whole match in a 4–1 win against Hrvatski Dragovoljac on the opening matchday of the 2010–11 Prva HNL.[citation needed] Ibáñez featured in both of the club's Champions League third qualifying round matches against Sheriff Tiraspol which Dinamo Zagreb lost on penalties after an aggregate result was 2–2.[31] He also successfully took a penalty during the shootout for a 4–3 score.[32] On 30 October he scored a goal in injury time in a league match against Inter Zaprešić for the final score 3–0.[33] He scored one more against Hrvatski dragovoljac three weeks later.[34]

The 2011–12 season started brightly for Ibañez as he scored in a league match against Cibalia in the Prva HNL and against HJK Helsinki in Champions League qualifying. He then made a string of impressive performances, assisting for the second goal in a 4–1 win against Malmö FF in the Champions League Play-off and scoring the equalizer in a 1–1 draw against Hajduk Split and twice in a 7–0 win against NK Varaždin.[citation needed]

On 1 August 2013 it has been officially confirmed that GNK Dinamo Zagreb would loan out Ibáñez to Argentinian side Racing Club for a year. With the arrival of Ruben Lima and a total of three trained left-backs in the team, Dinamo had the choice to either keep Luis Ibáñez or Josip Pivarić. They eventually opted for the latter. It is not known whether the departure of Ibáñez had anything to do with the previous, hasty leaving of goalkeeper and fellow countryman, Pablo Migliore, only a few days earlier. Migliore had apparently been recommended to Dinamo by none other than Ibáñez.[35]

Győri ETO

On January 28, 2015, it was announced that Ibáñez joined the ranks of Győri ETO.[36] However, on April 9, 2015, Győri's largest investor, Quaestor, went bankrupt.[37] This resulted in the virtual liquidation of the club, and resulted in almost all of its players, including Ibáñez, to leave.[38]

Red Star Belgrade

On 7 July 2015, he signed a three-year contract with Red Star Belgrade.[39] Ibañez started well at Red Star. After first games he was Red Star best player, and started to be fan favorite because of his fight spirit, work rate, great free kick, pace and energy. But after remarkable game and win against Čukarički in round 5 of the Serbian Superliga, after great comeback at Rajko Mitić Stadium, when he scored two goals and assist for the third, fans adored and applauded him. First goal was from direct free kick, second from great penalty and assist was lovely pass from his side of pitch.[40] In the first 5 games Ibanez scored two goals and assisted 4 times. Also on that match suffered muscle injury, separated him 3 weeks off the pitch.

International career

Ibáñez was not capped for Argentina at senior level, but he was made aware by the national team staff that they will consider calling him up when he gets older and if he keeps playing well.[1] He also stated that he would like to play for Croatia.

Style of play

Ibáñez prefers to play on the left flank, either as a full-back or winger and considers himself equally adept at both positions. Since his arrival, he has been praised by Croatian media for his work rate, pace, agility, technical skills and shot power.[2][3] His powerful left foot shot is considered as his main attribute by the critics. He is also noted for being an excellent direct free kick taker. He was the usual set-piece taker whilst in the reserve team at Boca Juniors.[17] He quickly arose to popularity due to his constant commitment on the field and for always giving his best.[41] Dinamo Zagreb's executive vice president Zdravko Mamić once stated that Ibáñez is best Croatian left back since Robert Jarni, despite player not having Croatian nationality.[12]

Career statistics

Club career statistics correct as of 16 December 2015[citation needed]
Club Season League[n 1] Cup[n 2] Continental[n 3] Total
Apps Goals Asst Apps Goals Asst Apps Goals Asst Apps Goals Asst
Argentina Boca Juniors 2007–08 2 0 0 —[n 4] 0 0 0 2 0 0
Croatia Dinamo Zagreb 2008–09 23 1 1 7 1 0 7 0 0 37 2 1
2009–10 18 0 0 6 1 0 3 0 0 27 1 0
2010–11 22 2 4 5 1 0 10 0 0 37 3 4
2011–12 26 7 5 3 1 0 11 1 2 40 9 7
2012–13 20 2 4 1 0 0 6 1 0 27 3 4
2013–14 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1
Argentina Racing Club (loan) 2013–14 16 0 0 — 0 0 0 16 0 0
Croatia Dinamo Zagreb 2014–15 9 1 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 14 1 1
Hungary Győri ETO 2014–15 11 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 2
Serbia Red Star 2015–16 19 5 6 2 1 1 0 0 0 21 6 7
Career total 167 18 24 27 5 1 41 2 2 236 25 27
Note: Apps = appearances made, Goals = goals scored, Asst = assists made

Honours

Notes

  1. ↑ Includes Argentine Primera División and Prva HNL.
  2. ↑ Includes Croatian Cup and Croatian Supercup.
  3. ↑ Includes UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
  4. ↑ The Argentine Football Association does not organise a cup competition for the Argentine football clubs.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ 170 centimeters equals 5 foot and 6.93 inches.
  8. ↑ 69 kilograms equals 152.1 pounds or 10.87 stone.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  15. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  16. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  18. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  19. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  20. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  21. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  30. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  33. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ [1] Vecernji List: Luis Ibanez pronašao klub - igrat će do kraja sezone u mađarskom Gyoru (Croatian) 28 January 2015
  37. ↑ [2] Jaroslaw Adamowski. Inside World Football: Quaestor failure triggers seizure of Hungary's Gyori ETO FC. April 9, 2015
  38. ↑ [3] Josip Tolić. 24 sata: Győr zbog bankrota raspustio momčad, Zvezda želi Ibáñeza (Croatian) 22 June 2015
  39. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  40. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  41. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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