Ulises De la Cruz
| Born | 08 August 1974, Piqulucho |
| Nationality | Ecuadorean |
| Weight | 80 kg |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Position | Defender/Midfielder |
Ulises became Hibernians' record signing when he joined the Edinburgh club in a £750,000 deal.
A fast and energetic right-back, he is capable of moving forward to crack home a spectacular goal - notably a 35-yard scorcher against Brazil in the Maracana during the 2002 World Cup qualifier.
Ulises was Ecuador's only ever-present during their successful campaign for Japan and South Korea, and has over 80 caps to his name.
Once dubbed the next Pele, a comparison to Roberto Carlos is probably closer to the mark.
After appearing in all three of his nations World Cup finals matches, he was persuaded to join Aston Villa in the summer of 2002. His contract was extended to June 2006 in August 2004.
Ulises joined Reading in August 2006 with a one-year contract that was extended to June 2008 in June 2007.
He joined Birmingham City in March 2009 on a monthly contract.
Career stats
| Season | Team | Competition | Apps | Subs | Goals | Y | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992-93 | Ecuador | Copa America | 5 | ||||
| 1992-93 | Ecuador | South America Youth Championship | 1 | ||||
| 1994-95 | Ecuador | Kirin Japan Cup | 1 |
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| 1994-95 | Ecuador | Korea Cup | 1 | ||||
| 1995-96 | Ecuador | Olympics | 4 | ||||
| 1996-97 | Ecuador | Copa America | 3 | ||||
| 1996-97 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 1 | ||||
| 1996-97 | Ecuador | International | 2 | 1 |
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| 1997-98 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 3 | ||||
| 1997-98 | Ecuador | International | 1 | ||||
| 1998-99 | Ecuador | Canada Cup | 3 | ||||
| 1998-99 | Ecuador | Copa America | 3 | ||||
| 1998-99 | Ecuador | International | 6 | 1 |
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| 1999-00 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 4 | 1 |
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| 1999-00 | Ecuador | International | 1 | 1 |
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| 2000-01 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 9 | ||||
| 2000-01 | Ecuador | International | 2 | ||||
| 2001-02 | Ecuador | Copa America | 3 | ||||
| 2001-02 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 8 | 1 |
2
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| 2001-02 | Ecuador | International | 4 | 1 |
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| 2001-02 | Hibernian | Scottish FA Cup | 2 | 1 |
1
|
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| 2001-02 | Hibernian | Scottish League Cup | 2 | ||||
| 2001-02 | Hibernian | Scottish Premier League | 25 | 7 |
2 |
1
|
|
| 2001-02 | Hibernian | UEFA Cup | 2 | ||||
| 2002-03 | Aston Villa | FA Cup | 1 | ||||
| 2002-03 | Aston Villa | Premier League | 12 | 8 |
1 |
2
|
|
| 2002-03 | Aston Villa | Worthington Cup | 2 | 1 |
1 |
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| 2002-03 | Ecuador | International | 4 | ||||
| 2003-04 | Aston Villa | Carling Cup | 3 | ||||
| 2003-04 | Aston Villa | FA Cup | 1 | ||||
| 2003-04 | Aston Villa | Premier League | 20 | 8 |
2
|
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| 2003-04 | Ecuador | Copa America | 3 | ||||
| 2003-04 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 7 | 1 |
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| 2004-05 | Aston Villa | Carling Cup | 1 | ||||
| 2004-05 | Aston Villa | Premier League | 30 | 4 |
2
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| 2004-05 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 7 | 1 |
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| 2004-05 | Ecuador | International | 1 | ||||
| 2005-06 | Aston Villa | Carling Cup | 1 |
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| 2005-06 | Aston Villa | Premier League | 4 | 3 |
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| 2005-06 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 6 | 1 |
2
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| 2005-06 | Ecuador | International | 2 | 1 |
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| 2006-07 | Ecuador | Copa America | 2 |
1
|
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| 2006-07 | Ecuador | International | 5 | 1 |
1 |
1
|
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| 2006-07 | Reading | Carling Cup | 2 | ||||
| 2006-07 | Reading | FA Cup | 4 |
1
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| 2006-07 | Reading | Premier League | 9 | 1 |
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| 2007-08 | Ecuador | FIFA World Cup | 2 | 1 |
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| 2007-08 | Reading | Carling Cup | 2 | ||||
| 2007-08 | Reading | FA Cup | 2 | ||||
| 2007-08 | Reading | Premier League | 3 | 3 |
2
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| 2008-09 | Birmingham City | League Championship | 1 |
Please note: Career stats are based on performances in the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.
Match history
| Date | Match | Result | Competition | Round | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2009 | Doncaster Rovers v Birmingham City | W | 0-2 | League Championship | |
Please note: Match history is complete for the Premier and Football Leagues and (in most cases all) internationals.
Club history
| Team | Joined | Left | Loan / Trialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Deportiva Universitaria | 01 Jul 1999 | 18 Jun 2001 | |
| Hibernian | 18 Jun 2001 | 02 Aug 2002 | |
| Aston Villa | 02 Aug 2002 | 30 Jun 2006 | |
| Reading | 25 Aug 2006 | 30 Jun 2008 | |
| Watford | 25 Jul 2008 | 02 Aug 2008 | T |
| Coventry City | 08 Sep 2008 | 12 Sep 2008 | T |
| Birmingham City | 03 Mar 2009 | 30 Jun 2009 |