Tony V – remember him?
There are many mysteries in football: how Alan Smith has a job as a pundit, why any manager seriously thinks Stewart Downing is England class and when will it actually be Liverpool’s year? One thing that remains bigger mystery than all of the aforementioned, is the form of United’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia.
The strange thing about Tony V is not that he’s been playing poorly for practically the entire season, it’s just HOW badly he’s been playing, at times he’s been beyond awful and this is a player who’s capable of being one of the most dangerous wingers in the world, a player capable of beating any full back, providing inch perfect crosses and generally dominating a game from the right side of midfield.
Take a look at some of United’s games this season Norwich, Sunderland, Villa, Arsenal and especially Swansea have seen Valencia well below par, he’s been reluctant to run at the defence, seems indecisive and far too often when he is in space and does pick out a pass, it’s beyond poor. First of all allow me to stop and say, I am a fan of Valencia, like most Reds I believe he needs a break from the first team, to recharge his batteries and maybe even work with a sports psychologist on his confidence. Sounds crazy? Well let me ask you, does Valencia look confident? Does he seem like the player that came back from that horrific injury against Rangers over two seasons ago to be even stronger?
Valencia in his current form, is a liability, he’s actually been a detriment to the side and this may sound melodramatic, but if Sir Alex doesn’t act swiftly we may never get the ‘old’ Tony V back. Maybe it’s the pressure of the coveted number 7 shirt, maybe it’s a bit of fatigue that he’s not really had time to recover from, maybe it’s the weight of expectation. Whatever it is, needs addressing and quickly.
All I want for Christmas is the same Antonio Valencia back that destroyed any left back put in front of him, the one who gives Ashley Cole more nightmares than a Cheryl interview, the one who Real Madrid wanted but couldn’t have…….
Am I overstating the problem with Valencia? Is his form not that bad? Can we really afford to drop him and rely on the likes of Ashley Young and Nani?
Answers on a brick through the usual window – or you can comment below:
for sure tony v is having a problem behind the scene. Is it a buck issue? Than Fergie should address the issue quickly. Mind the quiet guys as i believe that they are not that quiet.
AV’s problem is that,he’s too one dimensional and defenders have found it incredibly easy to go against him..he’s also shockingly one-footed which makes him highly predictable and he know it,that’s why he relies heavily on Rafael to cover up his cracks. Valencia has never been a big team player,he jus happened to fit in cos he had one or 2 good seasons. I’d rather have Rafael on the wings atm..the boy is two footed,has pace and can whip in a good cross as well. He’s a perfect winger if we use him to effect. And um,off topic,but what do you guys think about Buttner on the left to cover for A.Young? He’s clearly not ready for L.B,but he can be converted like Bale.. Any thoughts?
Buttner got man of the match against Wigan on his league debut only because of his attacking ability.. play young on the right and give buttner a go.. he has an amazing shot, great pace and a decent cross… He’ll also track back and help evra so maybe we might actually keep a cleansheet for once.
Good idea all thro, you both.
Saf shuld convert valencia bak 2 right back nd mak rafeal our standing 7
I agree completely he does not look the same player as last season but give him more time, he still carries out his defensive duties very well and is a presence in the team. If his poor form continues for say another 3 or 4 weeks then take him out but no choice but to keep him in until Nani gets back. Valencia will hit form again when it really matters.
I would rather have Danny Welbeck on the wing than Valencia at the moment.
Valencia need rest and competition. He is currently the only right winger and knowing that Nani is gonna leave (or the rumors) don’t help because this take off his desire to try his best. Somehow its like Patrice Evra situation before the superb debut of Buttner.