HATCHET MAN: Ronaldo is the Real deal but Valencia isn't in the same class

14 May 2009 09:33
Antonio Valencia as the new Cristiano Ronaldo has to be one of the season's biggest jokes. [LNB]The Wigan wide player is quick and works hard but he is not in the same class as the Portugal forward he could be called on to replace. [LNB]There is simply no comparison between them. [LNB][LNB][LNB] Everybody loves a trier: Valencia (right) got stuck in against Manchester United[LNB]That was obvious from the way Valencia played against Manchester United on Wednesday night.[LNB] He missed a very good chance when he got through at the beginning of the game and a few good moves apart, was no more than decent. [LNB]The way he has played all season has been no more than quite good. [LNB]He certainly hasn't been exceptional or struck fear into opponents and he has only scored three goals. [LNB]Manager Steve Bruce must be rubbing his hands with the glee at the size of clubs apparently interested in Valencia - Real Madrid are also admirers - and the £20million fee he is supposed to be able to attract. [LNB]Even with a dearth of great wingers, for that sort of money clubs should be able to get a player who at least stands out from the crowd.  [LNB]  More from Hatchet Man... HATCHET MAN: Rafa will rue the day he lets Alonso leave Liverpool14/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Ireland's raking in funny money but compared to the rest of the Man City slickers - he's worth it14/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Ancelotti might be a fan but Adebayor couldn't cut it at Chelsea14/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Awards snub Serbs him right! Vidic has been shown up too many times14/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Fans may welcome Alves's absence but Brazilian's injury could hit Boro hard13/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Sorry United, but Gerrard really is the outstanding player of the season13/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Downing over Silva? In Rafa's world of duds, that is believable13/05/09 HATCHET MAN: Arsenal exit beckons for Toure as case for the defence collapses13/05/09 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE[LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail