Julio Arca

Julio Andres Arca is an Argentine football player who currently features for the English Premier League club Middlesbrough. He is a versatile footballer who can play as a left back or as an attacking midfielder and is renowned as a brilliant dribbler and for his work ethic.

Julio Arca started his career at Argentine side Argentinos Juniors in 1998 and played 36 league matches in two seasons. In 2000 Sunderland signed Arca for 3.5 million pounds on a five-year deal. He was an instant success at the Stadium of Light as he scored on his debut against West Ham United and brought spark and Argentine flavour with him to the English Premier League.

Julio Arca scored 17 goals in 157 Premier League matches for the Black Cats and after Sunderland got relegated at the end of the 2005-2006 season, Arca was signed by Middlesbrough on a five-year deal for 1.75 million pounds.

Julio Arca though wasn’t that huge a hit at Boro and had to compete for a berth in the staring line-up. But his leadership quality and hard work plus the finesse soon earned him accolade.

Julio Arca won the FIFA World Youth Championship with Argentina in 2001.