It wasn’t so long ago that pundits were rounding on Manchester United for lacking ‘width’ and for having wide-men that just weren’t doing the job. This, of course, was back when Park Ji-Sung was at the Asian Cup and Antonio Valencia was still recovering from a break to his left ankle received against Rangers on 14 September. Without these two key players, United often did look a little too narrow and whilst Nani continued to perform on a weekly basis down the left-wing, it was clear that something was lacking from Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-wing.
Fans waited with baited breath for Valencia’s return, hoping that he’d be the solution to United’s troubles, and as it turned out, he has done a wonderful job. He’s exactly the kind of hard-working, well-disciplined, not to mention high-quality wingman that United required earlier in the season.
I thought that it would take the Ecuadorian much longer to re-find his stride given the amount of time he has had out of the game, but it hasn’t taken him too long to find his feet in the Premier League since his return. This can only be a good thing for United given Valencia’s unselfish footballing attitude and all-round team play. The 25-year-old never seems to be too bothered about scoring himself and is instead always looking to get decent delivery to his strikers.
Whilst this might be an annoying quality in another lesser footballer, Valencia has the ability to provide the goods for United on a regular basis. As much as I’m a fan of Nani, I’ve noticed that he has a tendency to cut-in and attempt to shoot when he reaches the penalty area and that more often than not he hits it wide or the opposition are able to scramble the ball clear. Valencia on the other hand is always looking to drive the ball to the line and pull back a cross for the likes of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez to get on the end of.
Antonio Valencia combines a workman like ethos with genuine ability and scorching pace. He can beat his man, has a good ‘footballing brain’ (something that Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been accused of lacking) and makes good decisions. I’ve also been impressed with his aerial ability. He’s a useful man to have in set-piece situations, whether he’s defending or looking to get on the end of a cross. Given all these qualities, I’d say that he’s in with a good shout for being Manchester United’s most underrated player this season.
He simply doesn’t get enough credit for what he offers to this Manchester United side from the Press. Whenever’s he’s missing though, the Press are quick to attack United for lacking width. It’s clear just how important Valencia is at Old Trafford and I for one hope he begins to get the credit he deserves.
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