Valencia Reacts To Herrera Praise

Antonio Valencia has reacted humbly to Ander Herrera’s claim that he is the "best right-back in the world", although the Manchester United star admitted it was nice to hear such praise.

The Ecuadorian has started the season in excellent form and has undoubtedly been one of the Reds’ top performers, notching several assists from his position on the flank while defending strongly.

Herrera interestingly told us that he personally regards Valencia as the world’s best alongside Dani Alves, the former Barcelona star and current Juventus defender. While that claim raised a few eyebrows in the media, it correctly acknowledged Antonio’s outstanding displays under Jose Mourinho.

"Well, I’m grateful for Ander’s kind words but what I try and do is to simply work hard every day in training," Valencia modestly told MUTV. "I want to put a shift in for United, the team that I love. I always want to give everything for this team. I’m not interested in personal glory like that, not at all! Of course it’s really nice of Ander to have said that, but what I’m all about is just working hard."

Valencia’s excellent form has coincided with Mourinho’s appointment at United and the former Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year admits the manager has injected a new confidence into the squad, as well as instilling a winning mentality that will hopefully inspire trophy-winning success this term.

"I think he’s given a really positive boost of confidence to the side and that can be seen out there on the field," Antonio told us. "Everyone is feeling confident, everyone wants the ball and that’s a very good sign. Everyone is running hard, showing good movement and reading our moves and build-up play, and that’s important too. On his advice, well, it’s the same for all the team: always go out to win and always have the winning mentality of champions. Let’s hope we can carry on in the same style.

"You can see from the games played that we’ve scored a few goals already so you can appreciate things are going well on that score. We’re getting forward and creating lots of opportunities on goal. We’ve also brought in more quality players, which has improved us too."

A major part of Valencia’s quality at right-back is his enthusiasm for attacking and unleashing crosses into the area, which have already provided several assists for Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season. The presence of the towering striker has changed the way United are playing when going forward.

"Now we have someone in the box who we can aim for," Antonio admitted. "In addition, we know exactly who he is and that he’s made a great impression at whatever club he’s played at. Now he’s started off on the right foot here at United and we’re all here to help him when we can.

"We know that we can play the ball up to him because we know that he holds the ball up well, and that he can also find and bring in other midfielders in wide positions. You know that it’s always a sound option when you give the ball to him."