Selected posts from Antonio Valencia's early days in Europe

Emelectric15 · Apr 23, 2005

This is the official Antonio Valencia thread.

Argentine Futbol · Nov 9, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

loraz said:

Ok, we have talked about it before but I'll bring it up again. Waht is going on with Valencia in Villareal.. Forlan hurt himself which gives Valencia a chance to play. Does anyone know when he will play or if he will play?
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I didn't know Valencia was a forward. He;s not that good and out of place in Europe

Argentine Futbol · Nov 10, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

yoryi said:

The kid is only 19 or 20 yrs old, and all ready in Europe.The little playing time he's had,he made the best of it.The kid is better than half of the starting line up,but does't get he's props. Maybe because he not Argentino!!!!!!
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Being Argentino has nothing to do with playing in Europe or being good. Hell, There are gringos, chinese, koreans playing in europe.. Valencia is not that good and just because the first goal he scored against Paraguay was the keepers fault. Worst goal ever and a couple of DEFLECTED shots that happened to go in and that little tap in Peru does not make him a european player.. Now if he would have scored a couple goals like Edison mendez than that would be a different story.

Argentine Futbol · Nov 10, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

loraz said:

cmon please, he made three goals in his debut. People can be picky when it comes to futbol styles and Valencia has his own. It is in human nature to judge negativly to that which one does not understand.

Valencia is superb, Ecuador is still the underdog and no one will give us props that easy.

and yes, if he was from Argentina, it would be a differnt story.

a child would understand that reality
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all three goal from errors....If he was from argentina. His futbol career would be over and he's best go to school and pick a different profession. Edison mendez is way better then him. If you think Valencia is superb than that just shows you what kind of futbol you are used to.

yoryi · Nov 10, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

Argentine Futbol said:

Being Argentino has nothing to do with playing in Europe or being good. Hell, There are gringos, chinese, koreans playing in europe.. Valencia is not that good and just because the first goal he scored against Paraguay was the keepers fault. Worst goal ever and a couple of DEFLECTED shots that happened to go in and that little tap in Peru does not make him a european player.. Now if he would have scored a couple goals like Edison mendez than that would be a different story.
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Oye loco,I know that there are a ballers in Europe from all over the globe.Yes I know that gol against the paraguas was a ************ one,but have you seen this kid actually play. This kid has it all offense, defense,speed remate,everything you name it.I'll put my ********ing dick on the line to tell that this kid is the next ecua star.Did you see him in the under 20 this year, huh.The Europeans scouts when to check out Brasilians,Argentinians,and Uruguayos. And they left with the Tony Valencia in mind.The only thing was that Villareal jumped on him first.I know that the Ecuadorian league is mediocre, but Tonys game should have not been wasted there.I respect that you say that he is not that good,OK. I only want to see him lined up together with Forlan,Senna,and Juan Roman,just once. Pelligrini is killing this wonderful talent by benching him.I knew that by him going to Villa,this was going to happen.I would have liked for him to go to a smaller team,look what happen to Riquelme when he went to Barca. I call it how I see it,Im not just defending him because he is Ecua and he is representing us in Villareal.Let me tell you that I think that the majority of Ecua ballers suck,they should not even be call profesional soccer players,but has a team thay click.This kid Valencia is special,these types of Ecua players don't come around very often.Just check him out In WC,then come back to me. bye the way, was with the angry monkey!

viagoal · Nov 11, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

The first time I saw Antonio Valencia play, i believe it was against Liga de Quito, I thought to myself where in the hell did this player appear from... He was so visible on the field with his speed, movement and skills...I told my father do they let brazilian players on el nacional...My father laughed and told me no this kid is one of ours...He said this with so much pride...It was funny because he kept repeating as if he were disbelief, this kid has to be Ecuadorean because he plays for el nacional...I then asked him why hasn't he been called up to the NT...A couple of weeks later...There he was wearing the tris' colors... There was no doubt that this kid was going to impress the mass... then we watch the elimination games and he scores for the NT...then the next thing you know he is drafted by Villareal...I believe there is more good things to come for this young man...He is extremely talented and needs for his agent to make the right moves for him...I wish him luck...

ecuafutbolfreak · Nov 11, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

viagoal said:

The first time I saw Antonio Valencia play, i believe it was against Liga de Quito, I thought to myself where in the hell did this player appear from... He was so visible on the field with his speed, movement and skills...I told my father do they let brazilian players on el nacional...My father laughed and told me no this kid is one of ours...He said this with so much pride...It was funny because he kept repeating as if he were disbelief, this kid has to be Ecuadorean because he plays for el nacional...I then asked him why hasn't he been called up to the NT...A couple of weeks later...There he was wearing the tris' colors... There was no doubt that this kid was going to impress the mass... then we watch the elimination games and he scores for the NT...then the next thing you know he is drafted by Villareal...I believe there is more good things to come for this young man...He is extremely talented and needs for his agent to make the right moves for him...I wish him luck...
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well put. Valencia is still young and has so much more to offer, and still has room to grow. he will be our future leader.

Ciclon_Ecuatoriano · Nov 11, 2005

Re: Antonio Valencia

He just needs to play more, and i am happy to see that Villarreal still consider Valencia an important component to their future, but they want him to get euro-futbol experience. he will most certainly be loaned to a smaller club, and then Valencia will show what he can do. he is a complete player, and like others have said, he does it all.

locoxriver · Dec 17, 2005

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

"Luis Antonio Valencia: No hubo noticias por el ecuatoriano del Villarreal de España pero está cerca de llegar a River."

Can you tell me a little about how he plays?

- Thanks.

ecuafutbolfreak · Dec 18, 2005

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

locoxriver said:

"Luis Antonio Valencia: No hubo noticias por el ecuatoriano del Villarreal de España pero está cerca de llegar a River."

Can you tell me a little about how he plays?

- Thanks.
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he is one of Ecuador's best all around players. he is most comfortable one the side of the midfield, any side is fine. he tackles really well, marks, can hold the ball and is really fast and strong. Valencia has a thunderous shot from distance. he moves well into the box and makes precise passes. he can help any team he joins, and i hope he will play for this club! which player will he potentially replace if he joins River?

ecuafutbolfreak · Jan 11, 2006

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

loraz said:

so what's giong on with antony?
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he joined a La Primera (second division) spanish team, but one that has a good chance to move up. it is just a loan move, but he is likely to be playing more regularly in this league, and that is very important detail to Ecuador's success in the WC as he is one of our top performers.

batch · Sep 22, 2006

Antonio Valencia interview

The V sign

Wigan Athletic is big news in Eacuador says Antonio Valencia, who thinks the Premiership is everything he expected and more!

Latics' Ecuadorian winger has made a big impression in the Premiership so far and but says there is far more to come from him the more he settles fully into the pace and power of the Premiership.

Valencia caught the eye as one of the brightest young stars in last Summer's World Cup and he has taken off in England where he left off in Germany; all that's been missing from his game so far has been a goal!

"I am really enjoying my time in England," says the 21 year old, "the Premiership is everything I expected it to be, it is fast competitive and the level of the players you are up against is unbelievable. But I am really enjoying it. I hope I can score, that would be nice, but my main job is just to help the team win, it doesn't really matter who gets the goals."

Valencia says the English crowds have also taken him a little by surprise. "In South America, people are very passionate in games, and in Spain too, but it is fantastic in England too. The fans really get behind the teams, and I have been to some brilliant stadiums now in the games. I have only played one game at home so I am looking forward to running out at the JJB Stadium again tomorrow if I'm in the team and putting on a performance for our own fans."

"I don't know a lot about Watford, but everyone is saying they are very physical and committed but that's fine. We have been working on the game all week and I know the team will be totally focused on getting the three points tomorrow."

Valencia says the language barrier has proved to be a little difficult but that everyone at the club are doing their best to help out, and he says he is particularly enjoying working with Paul Jewell.

"Paul Jewell is very different from any other manager I have worked with," he says, "but I really like the atmosphere on the training ground. He gets close to the players everyday and this makes for a fantastic team spirit."

He added: "The club has been helpful in getting me settled, looking for accommodation and getting the everyday things sorted out as well. It's a big challenge for me coming here to Wigan and learning the language will be very important. But being in England is a challenge I really want to get right because I believe this is the league for me and the team for me. Wigan Athletic is big news in Ecuador now!!"
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http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10429~901272,00.html

batch · Apr 10, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

According to our local newspaper today, Valencia wants to tay, our manager whants him to stay, and there is an agreement in place with Villareal for him to sign for Wigan perminantly.

Thats all providing we dont get relegated.

batch · May 15, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Roumours that LAV has signed with Wigan for the next four years.

batch · Jul 4, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Finally -

Hutchings confirms Antonio Valencia to return to club

Wigan Athletic manager Chris Hutchings has confirmed that Ecuador midfielder Antonio Valencia will be returning to the club after finishing his international duty at the Copa America.

The 21 year-old, who turns 22 on August 4th, made a big impression during his season-long loan from Spanish club Villareal, and Hutchings has been quick to take up an option for a second year's loan for the winger.

"Considering he was in a new country, a long way from home and couldn't speak the language," said Hutchings, "I thought he adjusted really well in England last season, and to be fair, he did excellently in certain games and was a valuable member of the squad."

"But" added the gaffer, "I think he can move up another level this year and become an even more consistent threat."

""He's a lovely lad, a really willing worker and he adds something different to the squad.

"Call it South American flair, or a touch of the unexpected, but he combines a really good work ethic with good pace and a bit of quality in areas that can hurt teams.

"He played mostly at right midfield last season, but he can also play on the left and in the middle, where he has played for his country. He's one of those players who can produce a bit of magic and that's what I want him to do for us and will be encouraging him to do."

Valencia will line up against Brazil tonight (Wednesday) in Ecuador's final game of the Copa America, and Hutchings confirmed he will be given some time off before rejoining the rest of the squad for pre-season training.
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yoryi · Jul 4, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Yo veo a Tonito como el proximo,Spencer or Aguinaga.

ecuafutbolfreak · Jul 30, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Valencia is going to have a break through year.

batch · Aug 5, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

LAV has been super so far in pre-season. The manager has tried playing him in the middle of the midfield, rather than on the wing, for a few games and he seems so much more effective playing there.

There was a little interview in one of the newspapers here today and LAV sounds very positive about the season ahead.

batch · Dec 19, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Steve Bruce wants to sign LAV permanently in January -

Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce wants to sign up winger Antonio Valencia on a permanent transfer - the Ecuador ace is in the second season of a two-year loan from Spanish club Villarreal and has impressed the new manager.
The club have first option to buy Valencia but there is reported interest from Racing Santander, hence the desire to bring him to Wigan on a full-time basis.

Bruce told the Evening Post: "I will do everything I possibly can to make sure Antonio comes here permanently.
"He has been fantastic considering the knee injury he's had.
"I think he is a top player who can go on to play at the highest level if he continues developing.
"We have got him on loan at the moment.

See Latics watch below

"It's a bit of a complicated one but I'm going to dive into it over the next couple of weeks especially with the transfer window opening.
"Antonio has impressed me greatly and I was delighted to see him start training again after his injury in my first week.
"We are in pole position to sign him.

"I think the kid wants to stay and I will make that perfectly clear when we next meet up with his representative.
"He can be a huge player for us, I really like him.
"He's only 22 and already has played a lot of inter-national football."
Valencia has hardly kicked a ball for Villarreal since joining them in 2005, with him loaned out almost immediately to Recreativo Huelva.

Latics signed him on loan at the beginning of last season after former manager Paul Jewell saw him play at the World Cup.
After a bright start to this season, the 22-year-old needed cartilage surgery on his knee, but he seems back to speed now with him playing the last three games.

While Bruce hopes for New Year joy with Valencia, he got some pre-Christmas cheer today with the news that Emile Heskey's ankle injury isn't as serious as first feared.
The England international was stretchered off in the first half of Saturday's 5-3 win over Blackburn after hurting his left ankle in a challenge with Steve Reid.

But the damage has been diagnosed only as 'tweaked' ligaments, and there is an outside chance Heskey could be fit to face Fulham.
If he doesn't make the visit to Craven Cottage, the striker should certainly be in contention for the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle.

Bruce said: "Emile is not as bad as we feared – there is nothing broken and he had tweaked his ankle ligaments.
"We are hoping he is not going to be out of action for too long.
"I'd say he is touch and go for this weekend, but I would certanly hope he will be fit to play some role for us during the Christmas programme.

"We were fearing a long lay-off which was a concern because any team at the bottom of the table needs their big players performing well for them.
"Emile is a big player for us, we all know that, although I didn't realise quite how big until I walked into the club.
"You find that his presence is the one the other players all look up to.

"He has great respect because he has been there and brought the T-shirt.
"His injury was the one thing which soured the win against Blackburn.
"It happened when two or three of our lads went in for a challenge after our third goal.
"At lea
st they were tackling, and that attitude epitomised us in the first half on Saturday."
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http://www.wigantoday.net/latics/Bruce-wants-to-tie-up.3598998.jp

Manolo · Dec 23, 2007

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

damnecuadorian said: ↑

I just saw Fulham vs Wigan (1-1). Valencia had the most perfect chance for a goal, all by himself vs the keeper but he failed to convert. He was quite alive during the second half, and although he could've made some better passes I'd say he played a fairly decent game.
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He was easily Wigan's most exciting player. Everytime he gets the ball on the right he seems like he will take on defenders and make something happen.

The chance he missed was bad luck, he was running too fast and pushed the ball too far ahead of himself. If he gets some goals he will gain confidence and be hard to stop.

batch · Jan 18, 2008

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm that Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia has signed permanently for the club from Spanish side Villareal, for an undisclosed fee.

The 21 year-old put has pen to paper on a three and a half year contract that will keep him at the JJB Stadium until the summer of 2011.

The deal is still subject to international clearance, but this only relates to the latter part of his contract, he currently has clearance to play in the Premier League until the end of 2008

Manager Steve Bruce is delighted to have concluded the deal.

Antonio Valencia
Valencia Has Impressed Steve Bruce

"I knew about him before I came to the club," said Bruce, "but having seen him at close quarters these past few weeks, I now realise just how good he is and to get him signed permanently was one of my priorities. I felt it was important to get it done sooner rather than later.

"He is the sort of player who I believe can play a big role in the Premier League future of this club. He has pace, trickery, is strong as an ox and has a great work ethic. Plus he's a really likeable boy.

"Now that his future is sorted out, I want him to focus completely on his football and keep improving because I believe he has the potential to be a top, top player."

Valencia has played 35 times in the Barclays Premier League for Latics since arriving on loan at the start of the 2006-07 season, scoring one goal. He has been an ever-present in the league since Steve Bruce's arrival, playing every minute of every match.

Valencia said: "I am really happy this has been sorted. I have always wanted to play in England and now that Wigan have given me the chance, I am happy to repay them by staying here.

"The Premier League is a fantastic place to play and I have really enjoyed working with Steve Bruce, you can see how the team is motivated now and I think he will be successful here in the seasons to come.

"I also thank the Wigan fans who often sing my name, which makes me really happy to be here!"
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http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10429~1218415,00.html

damnecuadorian · Oct 6, 2008

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Liverpool's coach Rafael Benitez wants to buy Antonio Valencia.

Building on his side's strong start to the campaign, Benitez is already planning for the January transfer window. He is optimistic of finally landing long-term target Antonio Valencia from Wigan.

Steve Bruce has so far managed to fend off interest in the 23-year-old Ecuadorian but Benitez is reported to be preparing a £10 million offer that would also include Jermaine Pennant heading to the JJB Stadium.

Valencia, who has also been watched by Manchester United, is attractive as he would be eligible for the Champions League.
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ando-Torres-and-targets-Antonio-Valencia.html

Guayaquileño · Oct 7, 2008

07/10/2008 19:15 United Still Chasing Valencia

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has revealed that English and European champions Manchester United continuing to chase star winger Antonio Valencia.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=901161

It's going to be a gruesome battle between the two rivals.. who will win this tug of war for Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera ??? ManU or Liverpool ??

I am not a fan of niether.. but I would love to see him in any of the two .. but somehow Man U. has a better sound to it.. it's like saying .. hey I got into Harvard!... To say one of ours is in the most popular, wealthiest, most fan base, one of the most winningest teams in the world with world champion players as teammates is really something to be proud about when it comes to our futbol and what class of players the country can produce.

Cris 09 · Oct 7, 2008

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Guayaquileño said: ↑

07/10/2008 19:15 United Still Chasing Valencia

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has revealed that English and European champions Manchester United continuing to chase star winger Antonio Valencia.

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=901161

It's going to be a gruesome battle between the two rivals.. who will win this tug of war for Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera ??? ManU or Liverpool ??

I am not a fan of niether.. but I would love to see him in any of the two .. but somehow Man U. has a better sound to it.. it's like saying .. hey I got into Harvard!... To say one of ours is in the most popular, wealthiest, most fan base, one of the most winningest teams in the world with world champion players as teammates is really something to be proud about when it comes to our futbol and what class of players the country can produce.
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One thing is saying "I went to Harvard and I gratuated bottom of my class", the other thing is to say "I went to the University of Syracuse and I graduated top of the class".

Don't get me wrong, I don't think Valencia will "fail" at Man U or Liverpool, but the competition might not allow him to reach the great opportunity to reach and continue his growth as a player. He might not play in a top team, but he plays against them all the time. He meets his competition on the field and by playing 90 minutes he gets to play top futbol.

My interest is not in Man U or Liverpool to become better teams with Valencia (I'm a Chelsea fan ) and my main concern is what Valencia brings back to Ecuador.

I would like to see Wigan do better in Europe for Valencia's sake.

For now, Wigan has suffered a bit from the scoreboard but they are a good team. With the Spurs, Everton and Pompey not doing as well as expected and ewith a whole season still ahead, I hope Wigan makes it into the top 8 teams and hopefully, next season, with Wigan, we can see Valencia do more and play more competitive football.

I don't think it says much of Ecuadorian players that players play in top teams, it says much more what Ecuador can do as a NT.

I don't know...my two cents!

nenito · Dec 21, 2008

Re: Luis Antonio Valencia, news & comments (r)

Wigan's Valencia now interesting Real Madrid
22.12.08 | Ian Ferris
Spanish giants Real Madrid have emerged as shock contenders for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia, claims The Mirror.

New coach, Juande Ramos, has given the Bernabeu board a list of Premier League targets.

The 23 year old is a surprise name on that list and could provoke a bid of £14m in the transfer window.

http://tribalfootball.com/wigans-valencia-now-interesting-real-madrid-217757