Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Michael Carrick: Why Antonio Valencia is the complete package
MICHAEL CARRICK believes Antonio Valencia has the complete game and is Manchester United's unsung hero.
Aston Villa v Manchester United - Premier League Preview
Valencia has filled in superbly at full back in Rafael's absence and played a starring role in the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Liverpool last Sunday.
United are currently in a rich vein of form, racking up six league wins on the bounce.
And Carrick believes Valencia should get more credit for all his hard work.
"Antonio is a pure athlete. He is immense," Carrick told Inside United.
"It is the work he does that doesn't get noticed, things like carrying the ball up the pitch for 30 or 40 yards when you have been defending.
Antonio Valencia on the ball against Liverpool
He is pretty much the full package. He is reserved but determined at the same time
"He takes you up the pitch and defenders just back up because they know about his pace.
"If he can go down the line, then he is pretty hard to catch. He is a great team player and, when you are playing with him, you certainly appreciate that he is on your team."
"He is pretty much the full package. He is reserved but determined at the same time.
"He is quiet, he is pleasant and he is polite. He is not somebody who shouts and screams in the changing room but I certainly wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him.
"He is stubborn and determined. He has got a real desire to win, like everyone at this club."
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?