Little Pea

He was expected to be great, but not this soon.

This past summer, Manchester United signed Javier Hernández Balcázar, also known as Chicharito (which is “little pea” in English). His nickname comes from his father, who also was a professional soccer player, named Chicharo. The last three generations of his family have played for Chivas, a very impressive family tree.

United signed him at age 21, a young but very mature player. Chicha had been on the Mexican team that won the U-17 World Cup. He also scored two goals for Mexico in last summer’s world cup.

When he was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, United fans were surprised. Chicha was not a well known player in England and although he had proven himself playing for Chivas (leading the Mexican Primera with 17 goals) he was not being hailed as a prodigy.

But as usual, Sir Alex Ferguson showed his brilliance. Chicha is the second leading scorer for Manchester United with 10 goals in the Premier League.

10 might not seem like a huge number but Chicha has only played in 20 games. Even more impressive, those 10 goals came off of only 37 shots, a very good rate.

In all competitions he has 29 goals in 80 games, an absolutely incredible record.

The EPL is very different from the Mexican Primera where Chicha was playing but he has adjusted beautifully. He is an exciting player to watch and is already showing leadership among some of the most famous players in the world.

In United’s most recent game against Marseille, Chicharito scored two goals, winning the game for United.

Manchester United's Javier Hernandez scores the opening goal

Chicha brings a Latino American soccer style, one that is flashy and exciting, to Manchester United. He looks to be an extremely promising player, a goal scorer and leader. With his skill, Manchester United has a lot better chance of winning games.

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