Powerful, pacy winger Antonio Valencia has that rare ability to beat his man from a standing start, to make a yard of space on the byline in order to deliver a cross.
The Ecuador international became United's first summer signing in 2009 when he joined the Reds from Wigan Athletic, and he enjoyed a superb first season at Old Trafford, finishing as one of the Reds' top appearance-makers and claiming a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
Wayne Rooney was the main beneficiary of Valencia's pinpoint, whipped-in crosses, while the winger himself chipped in with seven goals, including a vital late winner in the Champions League at CSKA Moscow. He's a skilful,
old-fashioned wideman in the Andrei Kanchelskis mould.
Valencia has more than 30 caps for his country, including one in the 1-0 defeat to England in the 2006 World Cup. His performances at the tournament earned him a nomination for FIFA's Best Young Player award and raised a few eyebrows among Europe's top bosses.
It was Wigan boss Paul Jewell, however, who won the race for his signature and he arrived at the JJB Stadium on loan that year, having previously enjoyed stints in Spain at Recreativo Huelva (loan) and Villarreal. It was the latter who first spotted his talent, bringing him to Europe from Ecuadorian club El Nacional in 2005.
In his three seasons at
