Herrera rates Valencia as “world’s best” right-back

Though some may still believe Antonio Valencia to be a makeshift right-back, Manchester United team-mate Ander Herrera rates him as the best in the world currently.

Valencia joined Manchester United from Wigan Athletic in June 2009 for £16million having forged a reputation as a dynamic winger.

While always versatile, it was under Louis Van Gaal’s stewardship that the Ecuador international had his position seemingly permanently changed.

Despite having Italy international Matteo Darmian to contend with, it would appear Valencia is United boss Jose Mourinho’s first choice right-back.

(Michael Regan/Getty Images)

And Herrera feels it is easy to see why.

“I think Antonio is one of the best right-backs in the world,” Herrera said.

“I know he’s not a normal right-back because he used to play as a winger, but I think right now, he is the best right-back in the world, maybe with Dani Alves, because I like Dani Alves a lot.

“When you have a right-back who is quick to defend and he is crossing maybe six or seven times a game, always or almost always successfully, then he understands the football.

“When I have the ball, I know that Antonio’s always ready to receive it, always to give you one solution.”