One of the hardest questions was asked to Sir Alex Ferguson a few years ago. How can you replace Cristiano Ronaldo? Pace, strength, ability by the boatloads. Goals, creativity…….this could go on a while!
But a relative unknown was his answer. Antonio Valencia. Wigan’s flying winger who could bring real old fashioned width to the side along with a hard working attitude and consistency. One plus
But a relative unknown was his answer. Antonio Valencia. Wigan’s flying winger who could bring real old fashioned width to the side along with a hard working attitude and consistency. One plus
side that came from Ronaldo’s departure was the balance that Valencia bought to the table. He might not have the presence of Ronaldo but he does guarantee 100% defensively as well as in attack. Ronaldo’s weakness was his desire to defend….or lack of it. All United fans will tell you AV is just as good off the ball as he is on it, ask that same question about Ronaldo and you will get a completely different answer.
Now, I am not comparing the two, I am just stating what Valencia brings to the side that Ronaldo didn’t. Balance. A wide man who gets some serious chalk on his boots. No drifting inside which narrows it all up. This balance is key to United’s play. His desire to stay wide gives the reds an outlet all the time. How many cross-field passes from the likes of Rooney and Scholes do you see out to him? I couldn’t tell you the stats but I wouldn’t mind a pound every time it happened…
This balance has become spread across the team. The balance of the two centre halves – one footballing player in Ferdinand, and one old fashioned put-your-head-where-most-wouldn’t-put-their-foot player in Vidic. Midfield also has a structure to it which (although criticised) has proven it knows how to win - a blend of hard work, ability and drive. Great combination to have in there.
Finally….the front two.
We can all talk for hours about how Hernandez has taken his debut season in the Barclays Premier League by storm. We can also talk about how his ability to run in behind can create more space for Rooney to do what he does best.
This balance across the team has played a significant role in United’s season and to me, it has gone unnoticed. Only now, when you get to look back and realise the impact it has had on the team can you now appreciate the affect it has had.
Role on #20!!!!
Now, I am not comparing the two, I am just stating what Valencia brings to the side that Ronaldo didn’t. Balance. A wide man who gets some serious chalk on his boots. No drifting inside which narrows it all up. This balance is key to United’s play. His desire to stay wide gives the reds an outlet all the time. How many cross-field passes from the likes of Rooney and Scholes do you see out to him? I couldn’t tell you the stats but I wouldn’t mind a pound every time it happened…
This balance has become spread across the team. The balance of the two centre halves – one footballing player in Ferdinand, and one old fashioned put-your-head-where-most-wouldn’t-put-their-foot player in Vidic. Midfield also has a structure to it which (although criticised) has proven it knows how to win - a blend of hard work, ability and drive. Great combination to have in there.
Finally….the front two.
We can all talk for hours about how Hernandez has taken his debut season in the Barclays Premier League by storm. We can also talk about how his ability to run in behind can create more space for Rooney to do what he does best.
This balance across the team has played a significant role in United’s season and to me, it has gone unnoticed. Only now, when you get to look back and realise the impact it has had on the team can you now appreciate the affect it has had.
Role on #20!!!!
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