Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has heaped praise on teammate Antonio Valencia, suggesting that he often does a lot of work that goes unnoticed.
The Ecuador winger has often had to operate as a right-back in Louis van Gaal's 5-3-2 system this season, with Carrick praising the 29-year-old who recently put in a match-winning performance for the Reds as they beat Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.
"Antonio is a pure athlete. He is immense. It is the work he does that doesn't get noticed, things like carrying the ball up the pitch for 30 or 40 yards when you have been defending," Carrick told Inside United.
"He takes you up the pitch and defenders just back up because they know about his pace. If he can go down the line, then he is pretty hard to catch. He is a great team player and, when you are playing with him, you certainly appreciate that he is on your team."
"He is pretty much the full package He is reserved but determined at the same time. He is quiet, he is pleasant and he is polite. He is not somebody who shouts and screams in the changing room but I certainly wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him."
United currently occupy third position in the Premier League table, having won their last six games in a row.
Christopher Dodd
