Antonio Valencia
Valencia (2010)
Luis Antonio Valencia Mosquera (* August 4, 1985 in Nueva Loja ) is an Ecuadorian footballer. The 1.81 m wide midfielder is regarded as one of the best active player in his country. Mainly Valencia is used in the central or right midfield. In addition to his quickness counts his excellent technique to his strengths.
Association
Valencia started his footballer career at Caribe Juniors in his hometown and moved in 2001 to the first division club CD El Nacional Quito, where he gave his Erstligadebüt 2003. In summer 2005, Valencia left his club towards Europe. He signed with Spanish side Villarreal. After serving in the first round only two appearances in the Primera División came, he was loaned to second division Recreativo Huelva in January 2006. In the season 2006/ 07 Valencia plays also on loan at Wigan Athletic in the English Premier League. The loan contract at Wigan was extended for the 2007 /08 season and converted into a definitive agreement for exchange with three and a half years in January 2008. The exchange of Valencia was announced to Manchester United in June 2009 where the Ecuadorian should replace its lost to Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo. In early August 2011, he extended his contract with Manchester United by four years to 2015.
National
His debut for the Ecuadorian national football team, he was in a friendly against Honduras in Fort Lauderdale. At the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on March 27, 2005, he caused a stir because he contributed two goals for a 5-2 success of his team.
At the 2006 World Cup he played in good shape but different with his team against England in the second round of. In the Internet option in the selection of the " best young player " during the World Cup took Valencia, particularly thanks to the support of his countrymen, by far the first place: He received 34 % of the vote, down nine percentage points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. The technical study group of FIFA, was reserved its decision on the winner, certain ultimately Lukas Podolski, who was fourth place in the Internet option to " best young player ".
Achievements
- English soccer champions: 2011, 2013
- FA Community Shield: 2011, 2013