When you think of United’s important players the names that instantly spring to mind are Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Rio and Vida, Fletcher, van der Sar etc and rightly so. They are the core of our team and have shown time and time again they can be relied upon in times of need but slowly another name is making a case for his name to be included on that list.
I won’t go into the whole Ronaldo replacement thing, it has been over done but Antonio Valencia is really emerging as a stalwart on our right wing. Last season Wayne Rooney credited him as part of the reason as to why he bagged as many goals as he did and last night despite it being a friendly he gave us a reminder of what it is he brings to the team.
He had the beating of the Airtricity XI left back constantly, displayed his crossing prowess as well as showing he isn’t afraid to cut in and have a go himself, everything you want in an attacking sense from your right winger. His performance saw him named the man of the match and rightly so as he helped himself to a goal (with his left foot!) as well as assisting Javier Hernandez and Jonny Evans’ efforts.
Maybe it’s because Valencia shuns the spotlight or is a chalk on the boots winger rather than being full of tricks that he doesn’t get as much attention as he should be that’s fine by me. He clearly has a good head on his shoulders and a couple of weeks ago said this, which will only help build his ever growing profile amongst United fans,
“I want to stay at United for 10-15 years, even if Madrid or Barca want me”
Valencia had undergone an ankle op in May and it was thought he could miss the start of the season whilst recovering but seeing him play last night will make me that extra bit more confident as we look to regain the Premier League title. He was by far the best winger in the league last season and last night has shown that he intends on carrying on where he left off in May.
Perhaps the most underated player in the EPL. You still won’t see his face on EPL promo material (or even United for that matter), and you’ll barely hear him mentioned by the pundits, in spite of the fact he is probably the league’s best winger. He is also one of the most consistent as I don’t think he had a below par game from November onwards.
Further, he undercuts the argument that United haven’t signed anyone of value in ages considering he wasn’t that cheap; though he is already viewed as a shrewd signing.
I expect even more from him this year and that he’ll get at least 10 goals and even more assists.
Definitely! He slowed down in terms of goals at the turn of the year but a new season, more familiar at the club etc
I’m happy to see him out of the spotlight as he can just focus on the football but at the same time he deserves more recognition than he gets.
2009-10
5 Goals
9 Assists
989 succesful passes
2613 Minutes Played.
Not a bad first season for a player moving from Wigan Chudi well recognized. He also has quite a good work rate off the ball which is in line with Fergie’s work ethic.
Keep up the good work pal and I’ll keep viewing easily.
Paul
Hey chudi, love your posts appreciate all the hard work! I was wondering if you could give me the link to valencia’s comments about staying at united even if the Spanish clubs want him. Sounds like this guy really has got his head screwed on straight!! Thanks mate!
can´t agree more, this lad is amazing, lucky he is humble and so down to earth, expecting a lot from him, best winger in the EPL and one of the best in the world
Exceptional talent and humble to the core..People call him predictable, sure he is but most wing backs even while correctly predicting his next move don’t stand a chance of stopping him..Also his willingness to track back is another serious plus point..
Thanks alot chudi really Backed up the legitamacy of the article with your help! Not
Sorry buddy forgot to reply to this. Ben Hibbs the United journalist reported it on Twitter. If you type the quote into google you’ll see a few other places reporting the same thing.
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner mate.