When Sir Alex Ferguson brought in Antonio Valencia in 2009 as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, eyebrows were raised at what many considered an inadequate replacement for the Portuguese.
Yet, although the 26-year-old Ecuadorian cannot match the goal-tally of his predecessor, he has proved to be an invaluable asset to a Manchester United side that are no longer as dependent on a moment of brilliance from an attacking player for goals.
Valencia’s game is one of pace and power, with a common accusation being that ‘he always does the same thing’ in putting the ball past the defender, running onto it and crossing to the onrushing strikers. He may well do, but it works time-after-time as defenders are simply unable to deal with his physical attributes.
This season, the former-Wigan man has appeared in 14 league games for the Red Devils, supplying eight assists and two goals from the right flank. Yet, it is also worth noting that five of these appearances have been from the unusual position of right full-back, making the strike-rate even more profound.
In Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, Manchester United have three of the best goal-poachers in the English game and they are currently profiting regularly from the wing-play of Valencia. Nani may be more of a goal threat, whilst Ashley Young is more versatile, but neither player can match the consistent delivery that the Ecuadorian offers. Ferguson’s Manchester United have a tradition of fine wing-play and Valencia is amongst the finest proponents of the art that the Scot has managed.
Valencia can almost be considered the prototype Ferguson wide-man, in that he offers a considerable attacking threat, whilst also remaining responsible when it comes to his defensive duties. It is this responsibility that sees the dynamic wide-man trusted on the biggest occasions and considered to fill-in at right-back if necessary.
From Ryan Giggs, through David Beckham, to Nani, the Manchester United boss has always expected his wingers to contribute to the defensive effort at all times. Indded, the only player to be given any leeway on this expectation was indeed Valencia’s predecessor Cristiano Ronaldo.
In a world of glitz and glamour, the humble Ecuadorian offers somewhat of a contrast to your typical top-flight footballer. Valencia grew up in an industrial city in North-Eastern Equador, helping his mother sell drinks outside Lago Agrio’s Carlos Vernaza stadium and collecting bottles for his dad to sell-on in Quito. Aged just 16, the youngster left home against his father’s will to move to the capital and play football for El Nacional, on the insistance of the rest of his family. It is these tough beginnings that has shaped the attitude and commitment of the winger that is so visible in his play to this day.
Paul Jewell, the manager who brought Valencia to England admits this attitude was visible from the start: “He could easily have buckled but there was no moping in a hotel. Antonio, though his English was minimal, quickly got a house and a car. That self-reliance, which can be rare, impressed me.”
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan was equally as positive about his young starlet, even upon departure from the club: “If every footballer was like Antonio, life would be wonderful. He is a quiet, clean-living, well-mannered young gentleman. Real Madrid offered us more money but I advised him to go to United because I knew Sir Alex would look after him.”
Valencia has now been in the UK for five and a half years, making a positive impression on all those he has dealt with, on and off the pitch. Going to Manchester United to replace an £80 million pound icon is a tough challenge, but the winger has bedded in with ease and a calm demeanour that belies the pressure of the task. Coming back from a serious injury, the wide-man has shown determination and resilience to regain his first-team slot from tough opponents. Indeed, his biggest challenge in the past five years has been with the English language, which is little surprise considering he was unable to even write Spanish on his arrival in Europe.
At the start of this campaign, there were some who doubted Valencia’s future in a Manchester United football kit, following a broken leg and the arrival of Ashley Young. How misplaced those doubts now seem, with Valencia a key-figure in many of the club’s best performances, excelling up against the likes of Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy. Alex Ferguson’s side is far from perfect and he may well strengthen again this year, but it would be a major surprise to see the Ecuadorian outside of the first-team anytime soon.
Christopher Atkins, Zapkam.