See? I Told You So...

Sir Alex agrees with me that Valencia's play is key:
courtesy of manutd.com

03/03/2010 First trophy vital for Valencia
Antonio Valencia shone in his first major cup final in England on Sunday as he picked up the Man of the Match award at Wembley, and Sir Alex Ferguson says the taste of success will spur the Ecuadorian on to cementing his position as an integral first-team star.

Valencia has excelled, especially lately, after a summer move from Wigan Athletic, and he provided yet another assist for Wayne Rooney's winning goal against Aston Villa. Sir Alex says Martin O’Neill’s men were simply unable to contain the 24-year-old’s excellent wing play after half-time.
"Antonio needed that win,” said the boss. “To be part of the celebrations at the end were really good for the boy. He is at the right club and has developed all season, he's improving all the time. It’s fair to say that Villa couldn’t handle him in the second half. On the counter-attack we always had them by the throat. He gave their defenders a real hard time.”
Valencia has had plenty of joy picking out Rooney’s runs into the penalty box this season, and he's become a constant and menacing outlet for United’s midfield and defence.
"Everyone knows where Valencia is,” added Sir Alex. “[Paul] Scholes is continually finding him and we are constantly getting the ball out to him on that right side.”
It’s not just in attack that Antonio has excelled, though. The United manager believes Valencia is an all-round asset to the team. “He works his socks off, and he gives you great relief when you're in front. He can get the ball towards the by-line and make them defend. That is a great asset to have. He has a good build, and good stamina. He's done really well for us." [end story]

I keep reminding myself that Valencia is only 24!  He seems so mature...on and off the pitch.  So many doubted if he could take the place of Ronny on the wing.  He hasn't scored as many goals, but that's because Rooney's role on the team has changed since Cristiano's departure.  Instead of Wazza providing service to CR, he's receiving service from the wing (as it's supposed to be!).
Sir Alex believes he is still improving...and I can't wait to see what he can do!!!  Vaya, Antonio!

Valencia and Rafael da Silva enjoy their Carling Cup booty