Ander Herrera created a lot of raised eyebrows when he suggested that Antonio Valencia was the best right-back in the world at the moment. However, the statement could become true in the next 12 months, as Valencia has all the qualities to develop under José Mourinho. Valencia joined United in 2009 as a highly talented winger from Wigan Athletic. Now 31, Valencia is one of the experienced members of the squad. He also brings limitless energy – a quality which will be appreciated immensely by Mourinho – whenever he steps onto the field.
Even though he is a right winger by trade, injuries were a major factor in Valencia expanding his game with another facet. Now, he is more than likely to be the club’s default right back if Jose Fonte does not join United in the next few days. Phil Jones would be another possible choice for Mourinho, but there have been swirling transfer rumours surrounding the former Blackburn Rovers defender. It is a curious case considering that Mourinho prefers to have at least one full-back who is competent at defending. Even if he is not adept at defending, Mourinho prefers one of his fullbacks to be tall and capable of heading the ball out when needed.
Jones would perfectly fit into this category, as he would complement Luke Shaw on the other side. It is a well-known fact that Mourinho is a huge admirer of Shaw after having tried to sign him while at Chelsea. Valencia’s biggest hope of being in the team on a regular basis is the attacking threat that he provides. Almost all top teams have offensive fullbacks who take up the position of a right winger more often than not. Valencia has the energy and the quality to do this job week in and week out.
Statistics, though, are not in favour of Valencia. The Ecuadorian winger has been performed by Luke Shaw consistently in the last couple of years. Even though Shaw was not at his best in the 2014-15 season, he was better than Valencia in terms of tackles, fouls, and interceptions. Shaw was also marginally better in the offensive end. However, Valencia has made a strong start to the 2016-17 season with two tackles per game compared to the 1.5 tackles per game by Shaw.
Valencia may not be the world’s best right back at present, but he could be transformed into one by Mourinho.