Antonio Valencia has been one of the best players for Manchester United this season. The 31-year old has been an integral part of the squad, operating as right-back and has been one of the best in his position in the Premier League this season.
The Ecuador international has been an important part of United’s success since his 2009 move to Old Trafford, winning the Premier League twice with Sir Alex Ferguson. And under Jose Mourinho, Valencia has flourished boundlessly this season.
When Mourinho first arrived at the club there were concerns over the right-back position as Matteo Darmian wasn’t performing to the best of his abilities, but Valencia has proven he has it in the him and has stepped up for the Red Devils this season. The Portuguese boss has even labelled him the best in his position around the world.
Bought as a dynamic winger to help replace the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ecuadorian is now one of the first names on the team-sheet in the back line. One of the only five players to have started 30 or more games this season for Manchester United, Valencia has already accumulated more than twice as many minutes this season than he did in the 2015-16 season. The 31-year old has arguably been one of United’s best players this season.
At 31, Valencia still possesses abundant pace and power, that allows him to run up and down the right-flank all day long for United. His immense work-rate and energy has been there for everyone to see this season. For someone who has played as an out and out winger for almost the entirety of his career, the defensive nous and the understanding that the Ecuador international has displayed at the back has been amazing.
In his 24 league appearances this season, Valencia has scored one goal, which was a late strike against Middlesbrough last weekend and has three assists to his name. He has created 29 clear-cut goal scoring opportunities for his team this season, which is the fourth highest in the United squad, with Paul Pogba (50), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (44) and Juan Mata (40) the only ones ahead of him.
A beast in defence, his tenacity and physicality has been a huge plus for the Red Devils this season. Valencia, in his 24 league appearances this season, has attempted 86 tackles and has come out on top 38 times – a success-rate of 44%. He has also attempted 42 aerial duels, achieving success on 45% of the times. Having made 39 interceptions and 64 clearances so far, he has also demonstrated good reading of game and awareness in the face of danger.
With Juan Mata playing narrow on the right-side, the onus has been on Valencia to provide United with the natural width on the flank and he has done that admirably with his powerful running into the opposition half. Valencia, this term has attempted 57 take-ons, completing 35 of those attempts successfully, giving an inkling as to how effective he has been with the ball at his feet. Averaging a very good 86% success-rate on his 1164 passes, the Ecuadorian has been prudent and smart in possession as well.
The willingness that he showed to close down and put pressure on Boro goalkeeper Victor Valdes on Sunday afternoon, in the last minute of injury time, forcing a mistake from the former Barcelona and United shot-stopper, typifies Valencia’s entire season. For someone who is on the wrong side of 30, the amount of running he does on the pitch, the physical exertion that he puts in week in week out is a huge testament to his fitness levels and desire.
Manchester United are currently 5th in the Premier League and find themselves in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa league. They have already gotten their hands on two pieces of silverware this term, having won the FA Community Shield at the start of the season and the EFL Cup earlier in February. Despite winning two trophies, United’s season will be considered a success only if they manage to qualify for the Champions League.
Antonio Valencia will have a major role to play for Mourinho’s side if they are finish the first season under the Portuguese in a strong way. Given his majestic performances over the course of the season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Valencia’s name in contention for United’s Player of the Year award, come the end of the season.
*All Stats Taken From Squawka.com
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