Amidst the speculation and rumours circling around the football fraternity at the moment, one is likely to skip the contract extension of a low-profile Manchester United player. They have tied down their veteran defender, Antonio Valencia until the summer of 2018. A one-year extension was thoroughly deserved as Valencia has been a sincere servant of the 20-time league champions.
When he was brought to Old Trafford, public knowledge suggested that he was to ply his trade on the wings, which was his conventional slot. Little did we know that he would turn into a world class full-back in due course of time. With around 300 appearances for the Red Devils now, he has been absolutely outstanding and has been trusted by the new regime of Mourinho as well. The Ecuador international has been handed 18 appearances in the league by the gaffer, thus implying that he hasn’t faded yet.
It is hard not to underline the perception that he is an irreplaceable cog in Manchester United’s machinery. The 31-year-old a threat from the flanks, has unparalleled levels of concentration, makes surging runs up and down the pitch in a meticulous manner and provides an outlet in attack more often than not. Another spectacular trait in him is his high positional sense in the final third that makes him so dangerous for the opponents, and let’s not forget that he can still boast about still being one of the best crossers of the game.
His willingness to leave a thumping impression on the opponents, the urge to excel, the leadership he offers to the back line and hardly putting a foot wrong whist catering to his duties has time and again shown that he easily has few more years left in him. After years of stay at the red half of Manchester, the former Wigan Athletic man has learned how to get the job done in the top tier of English football and is one of the best, if not the best, right-backs in the League at the moment.
Mourinho trusts his veteran defender, for he has garnered 31 successful tackles, made 34 interceptions, 49 clearances and 7 blocks alongside creating as many as 19 chances which tells us what a lethal brand of modern day full-back he is. A contract extension of one year was the minimum Manchester United could have placed on his table and it would be absolutely foolish to say that he didn’t earn it.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
