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Valencia: The unsung hero who makes United tick
When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United in 2009, there was a huge void in the side. Some say it has still not been filled but they, along with many others, are ignoring the contribution made by Luis Antonio Valencia since his arrival in 2009.
His importance to Manchester United cannot and should not be underestimated. A simple example can be the match on Thursday in the Europa League against Ajax. As soon as he came on, he raced towards the centre of the Dutch side’s defence and helped create the second goal for United.
So what makes him so special? Firstly, he is very hardworking. On top of that he has all the attributes of a modern wide player. His crossing is fantastic, he has this ability to run at defenders and make them feel very uncomfortable. He also tracks back and has the stamina needed to perform in that position at the very top level.
Some say he doesn’t score enough for a forward thinking player. Fair enough, 14 goals in 97 appearances is hardly spectacular but he provides so much more. Pace in abundance and a direct approach have made the Ecuadorian one of the most-feared wingers in the Premier League.
His ability to find Wayne Rooney’s head from pinpoint crosses was the source of many a goal for United in the 2009-10 season. Rooney said this of Antonio Valencia after that prolific season: “I couldn’t have scored the amount of goals I have this season without him. He’s been great this year and the quality of balls he puts in the box for me has been unbelievable.”
Valencia always looks up when he gets the ball. He has some real intensity about his play and he works hard at his game. It is no surprise he has 25 assists in 76 starts for United. When he plays well, United play well and the recent return to form of the Red Devils has coincided with Valencia’s amazing form. He has been United’s best player this season.
His good form comes on the back of a leg break at the start of the 2010-11 season. A lot of players are not the same after a lengthy injury, just ask Joe Cole and Eduardo, but Valencia has managed to become a better player than he was when he first came to the club.
Despite all that, he really is unsung. Even the United fans do not have a chant for him…or none that I know of. Is he ever spoken about in the newspapers? No. Is he ever highlighted on TV or Radio? Barely. He has a better assist ratio per game compared to David Silva this season who has received lavish praise for his performances this term.
There is a simplicity about the way he is both on and off the pitch. He has a very down to earth personality, doesn’t give the manager a problem and doesn’t get involved in anything stupid away from football. Kind of reminiscent of a certain Paul Scholes.
One other key thing to happen in the Ajax match was that Valencia feel foul to a hamstring injury, and is expected to be out for about a month.
Let’s hope he recovers quickly and is soon back doing what he does best. Then we should see his performances start getting the credit they deserve and who knows, the Stretford End could even come up with a chant or two…
Posted by Manchester United fan Rohil Daya
Follow Rohil on Twitter @Rohil512
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