Destiny's Child
He used to play barefoot in the dusty pitch next to his home in Ecuador. Antonio Valencia completed a total transformation by being the first Ecuadorian to win the English Premier League title as Manchester United won a record 19th title in the recently concluded season. For a man that was deemed to not be good enough for Villareal, the former Wigan man has been a pure inspiration to watch with his tireless runs down the flanks.
He left home at the age of 16 to a place that only his mum and brother knew. All for the sake of football and El Nacional became his first club. Starting originally as a central midfielder, impressive performances pushed him further up the ranks and he was eventually introduced into the Under-20 team where he starred alongside Christian "Chucho" Benitez in a more advanced role upfront. His talents were definitely being monitored by European Clubs and soon enough, Villareal came calling in.
However, things never looked like they were going materialize for him at the Madrigal and he was shipped off on loan to Recreativo. The following season, Wigan Athletic snapped him up on-loan and perhaps Valencia will relate this move as the best one he had made in his life. From the beginning itself, Premier League looked compatible with him and after three successful season with the Latics, he joined Manchester United. Two years later, he made his nation absolutely proud.
A key segment in his career would have to be his's nomination for the Best Young Player Award by of the 2006 World Cup by Gillete. It was the scene in which he made a massive breakthrough and destiny has taken care of him since then. Great talents always deserve great recognition. Having said that, Ecuador's destiny in the upcoming Copa America is pretty much on his shoulders. Can he spur them on?
Lowlights And Highlights
Lowlights
Copa America 2007: Antonio Valencia was already an Ecuadorian sensation at this time but despite scoring their first goal of the campaign against Chile, he was unable to prevent a defeat as they faltered with a score line of 3-2. Subsequently, Ecuador finished last in their group.
World Cup Qualifier Vs Chile 2008: He has always been known to be a humble and quiet character on and off the pitch but in a World Cup qualifier match against Chile in October 2008, the Manchester United man received his first ever international red card.
Highlights
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World Cup Qualifier Vs Paraguay 2005: The talented winger made his debut for Ecuador in a World Cup Qualifying match against Paraguay and he largely impressed throughout with two well-taken debut goals.
FIFA World Cup 2006: It was Valencia's first ever major tournament for Ecuador and he never disappointed his nation with some terrific performances for La Tri. And they definitely made history by reaching the second round for the first time in their history after finishing second behind Germany in Group A.
Strength And Weaknesses
Valencia's game is built purely on pace and aggression down the flanks. One major advantage he possesses is great upper body strength, which allows him to out-muscle smaller fullbacks down the flanks. His's total domination over Ashley Cole in the English Premier League match between United and Chelsea last season can be regarded as a true testament to his abilities. He is also capable of proving fantastic crosses into the box. However, Valencia can sometimes be too predictable with his movement. The ex-Wigan man is comfortable on only his right and that allows defenders to predict his movements down the wings. The video attached below shows an example of what the winger is capable of.
Current Form And Condition
Valencia has a mixed season for Manchester United after having been out injured for most of the early stages. However, since making that coveted comeback, Valencia has been magnificent for the Devils and played a key part in their title success towards the end. Inconsistency could derail him at times but he continues to justify that form is only temporary while class is permanent.
