Antonio Valencia - Ecuador's World Cup 2014 main man unravelled
ANTONIO VALENCIA - MAN UNITED
AGE: 28, CAPS/GOALS: 70/8
Antonio Valencia is heading to the World Cup with Reinaldo Rueda and the Ecuador squad.
Here, Sportsmail takes a closer look at the Manchester United winger.
VIDEO: Scroll down for Antonio Valencia and Ecuador team-mates speed drills in training
Leader: Antonio Valencia will captain Ecuador at this summer's World Cup in Brazil
Flyer: His pace and power down the wing will be key to their hopes of progression
END OF TERM REPORT: Valencia returned to the number 25 kit last season, having not captured the imagination that goes with number seven the year before. Still, he could do little to prevent Manchester United’s abysmal season under David Moyes. The winger may, at times, have to carry Ecuador. His runs, dinks, crosses and tricks will be called upon by manager Rueda when they battle with France, Switzerland and Honduras in Group E. But Valencia must keep himself in check. It was the 28-year-old’s crunching tackle, perhaps in frustration, on Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng in the Champions League which easily could have warranted red. It didn’t, fortunately for him, but Valencia needs to keep cool if he is to lead Ecuador past the group stages.
GRADE: B
IF HE WAS BRAZILIAN HE’D BE CALLED: Valencimar
RATING FOR RIO: 7/10 – Ecuador’s chances may rely on Valencia – no pressure.
KEY STAT: Valencia is yet to score in a World Cup, but has scored five in qualifying (three in 2005 and two in 2009)
Expectation: Valancia greeted by President Rafael Correa in a farewell ceremeny for the team in Ecuador
Opportunity: The Ecuadorians have an excellent chance to progress through a group featuring France, Honduras and Switzerland
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