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

Antonio Valencia as the new Cristiano Ronaldo has to be one of the season's biggest jokes. 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. There is simply no comparison between them. Everybody loves a trier: Valencia (right) got stuck in against Manchester UnitedThat was obvious from the way Valencia played against Manchester United on Wednesday night. 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. The way he has played all season has been no more than quite good. He certainly hasn't been exceptional or struck fear into opponents and he has only scored three goals. 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. 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.    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  

Source: Daily_Mail