Antonio Valencia had big boots to fill when he was bought in the summer of 2009 to replace the outgoing Cristiano Ronaldo. In truth though, the Ecuadorian is a totally different player to his predecessor and necessitated a change in formation from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2, where he was able to maintain width, link up with the right back and deliver accurate crosses. His first season has been fairly successful on an individual level, and next season he should be aiming for more goals and assists as the understanding between him and his teammates (particularly Rooney) grows.
09/10 season stats: 49 games, 7 goals, 13 assists
