Manchester United star Ander Herrera claims: Antonio Valencia is the world’s best right-back
Spanish star believes former Red Devils winger has become just as good as Dani Alves after converting to defence
MANCHESTER UNITED star Ander Herrera claims team-mate Antonio Valencia is the world’s best right-back – despite his natural position being a winger.
The Ecuadorian arrived at Old Trafford eight years ago and spent the majority of his time at the Premier League club battling for the right-wing berth.
In recent seasons, however, the 31-year-old has found himself moved further downfield and has excelled to become an almost permanent fixture in the United backline.
And his impressive displays are certainly impressing club-mate Herrera, who claims Valencia is now up there alongside Brazilian and Juventus star Dani Alves as the finest full-back on the planet.
related stories
Herrera said: “I know him and have always liked the way he plays.
“I know he’s not a normal right-back because he used to play as a winger, but I think that, right now, he is the best right-back in the world, maybe with Dani Alves, because I like Dani Alves a lot.
“I think Antonio is one of the best right-backs in the world.”
Despite his new-found defensive responsibilities, Valencia is still proving himself to be a valuable asset in attack.
He registered three assists in the 5-2 pre-season win over Galatasaray, one for Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the Community Shield and a huge role in the build-up to Wayne Rooney’s strike against Bournemouth.
And it is the attacking threat he poses that makes him such a favourite with Herrera.
The Spaniard added: “When you have a right-back who is quick to defend and he is crossing maybe six or seven times a game, always or almost always successfully, then he understands the football.
“When I have the ball, I know that Antonio’s always ready to receive it, always to give you one solution.
“I think he’s going to be very important this season. He has already been very important for the club, he has already been here eight years, but I think I told you at the end of the last season something good is being cooked and everyone wants to be part of that.”