What Man Utd will miss in Valencia's absence - Life's A Pitch (blog)
What Man Utd will miss in Valencia's absence
Antonio Valencia has been at the top of his game in recent weeks, lighting up Manchester United performances with his quality wing play. But an injury in the Europa League tie against Ajax means Sir Alex Ferguson will have to do without the talented Ecuadorian for about a month. And speaking before Valencia's injury, the Life's A Pitch team discusses exactly what he brings to United. And what, now he is injured, they'll have to do without in his absence.
"He was wonderful at Arsenal recently, and he was absolutely fantastic at QPR as well," explains the Guardian's Dominic Fifield of the Man Utd winger. "He's got that energy and that quality, the delivery as well. [He's] a very muscular presence on that flank, he offers some balance, and thrust going forward. He's a consistent performer."
The Sunday Telegraph's Duncan White believes Valencia's talents lie in his direct approach. "He does the simple things really well for a winger. You see so many wingers cutting inside, trying to be clever. He just goes to the byline and pulls it back."
An approach that really appeals to Wayne Rooney, according to former footballer and journalist Adrian Clarke. "[Rooney] does love him, he loves him to bits, because he just drops the shoulder and whips really good quality balls into the box," he says. "He's a physical presence, he [even] played at right back for a long period. He's now got license to play further forward and he's really loving it."
Luckily for Man Utd, Nani is due back from injury, so will hopefully be able to play this role.
Watch the full video discussion by clicking on the image play button above. Please note, this video was recorded before Valencia's injury against Ajax.
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19 Feb, 2012
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Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFKDXNUsYGJTYSiQtcb2MS3-NXcww&url=http://www.lifesapitch.co.uk/laptv/what-man-utd-will-miss-in-valencias-absence/
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