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Opinion Piece

Valencia’s new deal an unexpected first step in Van Gaal’s revolution

Man-United-v-Swansea-Antonio-Valencia-of-Manc_3064883Antonio Valencia has signed a new three year deal with United which will keep him at the club until 2018.The 28 year old Ecuadorian winger has been a key figure in United’s plans since joining from Wigan in 2009 and has made almost 200 appearances for the club but while Valencia has been a regular starter for United in recent years, his goal scoring record is certainly not be the best and he’s somewhat regressed over the last two seasons.

The Ecuadorian, however, certainly possesses the right attitude and since arriving at Old Trafford he’s never shied away from responsibilities and his taciturn, yet dependable demeanour has been appreciated by the supporters.

A player who is willing to play anywhere, Valencia has never complained when deployed out of position – he’s often been deployed as an auxiliary right-back, a position in which he clearly not at his best, though one which he’s covered because of managerial decisions rather than out of personal demands.

Although he may not have had the best season under David Moyes – he’s arguably failed to recover the form he had shown in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons – he remains the best winger at United’s disposal, extremely more reliable than the petulant Nani and more talented than Ashley Young, a player who, quite simply, is not good enough for Manchester United.

Over the last couple of seasons, Valencia has been a shadow of the player who was voted the 2011-12 Manchester United Player of the Year by fans and players, while his goal at Blackburn looked to have clinched the title, and many eyebrows were raised yesterday when it was announced he had signed a new deal, but the Ecuador captain could still prove to be a valuable squad player next season.

“I’m really pleased Antonio has signed a new contract. His contribution to the team since he joined the club in 2009 has been fantastic,” said Giggs, a man who’s seen Valencia in action every day since the Ecuadorian arrived from Wigan five years ago.

“Antonio is a very powerful player with great speed and versatility. He is very professional in his approach to training and I am delighted he has committed his future to the club.”

Players often trot out the usual lines after signing a new deal, yet in Valencia’s case one can’t help but thinking playing for Manchester United really has a special meaning for him.

“My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorian player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country.

“I am so happy to have signed a new deal and am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal. There is great team spirit within the club and we are all determined to get back to winning ways.”

With Louis Van Gaal known for his ability to inject a new lease of life into his players and with Valencia capable of playing in different roles on the right, the Ecuadorian’s new deal might just turn out to be a great piece of business come the end of next season.

Daniel Roche O’Rourke (Daniel_ROR)

 

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