[Kag]

Going forward he's more than good enough for a right full back. He's quick, strong and has always been a good outlet despite his iffy crossing.

It's his positioning he needs to work on. He's fine against smaller sides but gets dragged out of position too often against the better players. He also makes too many silly fouls in our own half. I think these are things that Mourinho can work on, though. Especially if he's to set the defence up zonally, leaving less room for defenders to roam about and leave gaps.

 

[kafta]

I think his crossing was pretty abysmal, considering he was hitting shins the whole time. But he looks to be much more confident going forward so far under Jose. I've been really impressed with him this preseason.

 

[ti vu]

So was it our strikers making Valencia look bad?

Not really. His crossings already turned shite in SAF's last couple seasons despite we still have Rooney in good shape (better than the last couple seasons), and RVP's 20th PL title. For some weird reasons (not sure if it's coaching since he had the same problem with 3 different coaches), he's just persistent with the shin killing cross for years. Last few pre season games, he actually crosses better (similar to his prime as winger).

 

[Robbie Boy]

He definitely still has his shortcomings as a fullback but I also think he does a decent job there.

 

[We need an rvn]

I'm afraid I shall be in the minority here but here goes. Much as I love the fact that he has learnt how to cross the ball in the air again, he was caught out several times by long balls over his head to the opposing winger yesterday - he is no hot shot at heading either. He is not the answer at full back in my opinion.

I'm with you on this one. He's still a one trick pony, crosses aren't fantastic and at his age I doubt he'll be able to improve his positional sense as much as we need for him to become a top RB.

I think though we'll have to put up with him until next summer given our net spend this summer.

Nothing personal against him, just not for me. But please prove me wrong and I'll gladly put my hands up and say sorry.

 

[LuisNaniencia]

I'm with you on this one. He's still a one trick pony, crosses aren't fantastic and at his age I doubt he'll be able to improve his positional sense as much as we need for him to become a top RB.

I think though we'll have to put up with him until next summer given our net spend this summer.

Nothing personal against him, just not for me. But please prove me wrong and I'll gladly put my hands up and say sorry.

Have to put up with him assisting Zlatan?

Being a one trick pony is fine if the trick is effective.

 

[Reggie74]

What a weird retort.

Maybe had you given a constructive & informative reply other than "Said nobody ever" I would of treated it with some seriousness.

 

[Steven7290]

When he has a big target up front, his crossing is not that dreadful is it? He has been the creator for all of Zlatan's goals for us thus far.

 

[stevoc]

Yes. I am beginning to think that his crossing last season wasn't that bad and that our strikers just didn't capitalise on them.

His crossing was bad, the forwards rarely had the opportunity to capitalise on them as it was a rare occurrence when one made it past the fullbacks shin.

 

[Nighteyes]

Turning back the clock this guy. Been fuxking brilliant so far.

 

[LuisNaniencia]

Turning back the clock this guy. Been fuxking brilliant so far.

Reminding me of his POTY season, seems to be our most likely outlet.

 

[pixel]

Been our best player so far.

 

[Skills]

Dominating that right flank almost on his own.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

Excellent so far.

 

[Di Maria's angel]

Impressive, again. What's he smoking?

 

[Globule]

I have a feeling that the Valencia -> Ibrahimovic route is going to be rather fruitful for us this season.
Although I don't expect any praise for my foresight considering they've already linked up well in pre-season.

 

[Robbie Boy]

So much better than Darmian.

 

[m1y2]

I think this will be his best season ever

 

[Nighteyes]

Monster.

Calling it now. He'll be POTY.

 

[bosnian_red]

Absolute monster
Great to see him appreciated again too

 

[Minimalist]

Playing well today going forward. Big change from last season.

 

[Cheesy]

Fantastic work for the goal.

 

[ivaldo]

That is terrific play right there.

 

[Fergus' son]

The real Valencia is back.

 

[Raees]

He's doing really well isn't he. Pleased for him.

 

[Sigma]

Was MOTM

 

[Cheesy]

Looked like the Valencia circa 2011/12 which was probably his best season for us; regularly bombing forward, powerful, strong and of course important to the goal as well. Can be very pleased with his performance, should definitely be our first choice RB for now.

 

[Devil may care]

One man right side, him and Bailly are forming a powerhouse combo defensively as well.

 

[Skills]

By the end of the game, they were putting 2 players on him.

 

[The Stain]

How many goals has he been involved in so far? Looking good, Tony!

 

[Manchie]

Given that it is not his position, I can't ask more than today.

 

[Bugshot]

Given that it is not his position, I can't ask more than today.

It is his position. He's been a fullback for more than three seasons now. Anyway, excellent once again.

 

[Freak]

He's just a brilliant player when he plays with confidence.

 

[Bugshot]

He's not a squad player. He's fecking brilliant and should be the first name on the team sheet.

 

[LuisNaniencia]

The anti-Tonys would be more credible if they came on and admitted he had a good game today. I won't hold my breath.

 

[K2K]

Let's go Tony

 

[DeOddi]

Has been really good since coming back from injury last season. Running up and down the right side all game. He was basically our only offensive outlet in the first half today, and played well all game (defensively and on the offense).

I just hope Shaw starts contributing anyhting going forward as well, then we´ll be really hard to defend against.

 

[facund]

I'm not his biggest fan but would give him MOM today.

 

[K2K]

The anti-Tonys would be more credible if they came on and admitted he had a good game today. I won't hold my breath.

Who cares what they say?

As @Pexbo said,one mistake and they will be out claiming how he is not a right back.

 

[Randall Flagg]

Immense as always

But yeah he is one mistake away from his detractors calling for his head