Julio Baptista: Top Goal Scorer In Carling Cup Campaign

Julio came to Arsenal after Real Madrid and Arsenal agree on exchanging players for only one season. He and Jose Antonio Reyes were exchanged in July 2006. Reyes has made an impact in Spain but Julio has made an even bigger one in England.

The Brazilian international striker, who is apparently nicknamed the beast owing to his stout physique and distinct style, was bought from Spanish side Sevilla by Real Madrid for 13 million pounds.

He however didn’t make such an impact at the Barnabeu and was involved in the exchange deal owing to his form.

At first, he didn’t seem effective at Arsenal but he changed all that in the encounter between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in the Carling Cup quarterfinal.

He scored first in a spectacular free kick and finished off three other crosses from Jeremy Alliadere to score four goals in the 6-3 hammering of Liverpool. In the game, he oozed the confidence that he had lacked in his first few games for Arsenal.

In the other Carling Cup semi final between Arsenal and Tottenham, he deflected the ball in his own net and gave Tottenham a two-goal cushion over Arsenal. I didn’t think he would recover but he did and scored twice to bring Arsenal back on level terms with Tottenham.

The six goals he has scored in the Carling Cup campaign has made him the top goal scorer. This impressive array of goals seems to have put a smile on Arsene Wenger's face and has earned him a spot of in the starting eleven of a few of Arsenal's games.

I believe soon enough he will be a regular in the starting eleven and will play a vital role in all of Arsenal's League and Cup campaigns that is if Real Madrid agree to keep Reyes.

He has shown interest and love in the English game and wants to stay and if he does, he will be one of the players in Arsenal's impressive team to watch.