Valencia Ready To Strut His Stuff

22 October 09 by Bill

Antonio Valencia’s impact on the team has hardly been spectacular since his £16 million summer move from Wigan. But what a difference a goal can make. Well, two actually, and in back to back games to boot.

Goals breed confidence, and if Valencia is short of a little confidence, his latest performances in a United shirt will go some way to building it up.

Nemanja Vidic believes the daunting task of filling Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots has hindered Valencia’s progress but thinks the Ecuadorian has turned a corner and will be showcasing his talents more regularly in the future:

“At the beginning of the season, Antonio had some difficulties because he was bought to replace Cristiano Ronaldo” said Vidic.

“The media paid special attention and were watching his every move, and the pressure paralysed him a little. He is a real artist, gradually gaining confidence and playing better and better with each match. Scoring will help him even more.”

A sentiment echoed by Vidic’s defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand:

“I think everyone is very pleased with what Antonio has done,” said Rio.

“He’s a really humble and quiet lad. He comes in, does his work and goes home.

“He is from the Paul Scholes mould of embracing hype and attention but he’s the most confident guy on the football field and he’s been very impressive since he arrived.

“He is always available, always backing himself on the ball and doesn’t mind a bit of contact. He is a strong lad and that’s what you want.

“He’s playing very well and I’m sure he will keep improving and keep scoring goals.”

It isn’t just his teammates that are impressed with him. Alex Ferguson is also pleased with Valencia’s progress and hopes the winger will score plenty more before the season is out.

“Valencia has been a plus point for the last few weeks. He is emerging very well, settling into the club, and his confidence is getting stronger.

“He has tremendous assets for a wide player, but the assets he didn’t show at Wigan were his goals, where he would maybe only get three or four a season. This was his challenge when he signed for us. Two in two games will help him.”