2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Antonio Valencia

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Luis Antonio Valencia of Manchester United controls the ball during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /

The Ecuadorian right winger turned right-back enjoyed one of his best seasons in a United shirt, making 43 appearances across all competitions almost exclusively in his new role.

Pre-Season

Antonio Valencia played the second half of the first pre-season friendly against Wigan. He started the second match against Borussia Dortmund and played 75 minutes before being replaced by Andreas Pereira. In the final friendly, the right back started again and played extremely well. Valencia helped himself to an assist in United’s 2-1 win over Leicester in the Community Shield.

Start of the Season

The Ecuadorian right-back started the season brightly and quickly solidified himself into the Manchester United starting XI. While Matteo Darmian was being used mostly as a left back, Valencia really did not have much competition at the right back position. He added assists in the wins against West Ham and Feyenoord in the beginning of the season to add to his impressive performances.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the UEFA Europa League, semi final second leg match, between Manchester United and Celta Vigo at Old Trafford on May 11, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /

Mid-Season

At the start of 2017, Valencia continued to impress and even had Jose Mourinho refer to him as the “best right-back in the world”. He added two more assists against Liverpool and Leicester City. His ability to provide service from the right-back position makes him a lethal weapon. He was able to contribute in the EFL Cup final and help Manchester United win the trophy by overcoming Southampton.

End of the Season

The defender provided another assist against Bournemouth and scored a goal against Middlesbrough as the season winded down. He was rested in the Premier League at the end of the season as the Europa League became the main priority. Valencia started in the Europa League final and was a key factor in United keeping a clean sheet.

Overall Stats

Valencia appeared 43 times for United this season and added a goal and 4 assists. He continue to produce for United and it is obvious that Mourinho is a big fan of his. It seems that he will be a key factor for United next year as well.

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