EPL 2016-17: Antonio Valencia is the best right-back in the world, says Ander Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has praised his team-mate Antonio Valencia who he thinks is the best right-back in the world. The winger mostly played as a right-back under former manager Louis van Gaal, however, he seems to have developed quickly as a defender and Herrera rated Valencia highly ahead of Juan Fran, Dani Carvajal or Philipp Lahm. Valencia’s performances appear rejuvenated all the more this season under Jose Mourinho, which is the premise on which Herrera claims he competes with Dani Alves for the best player in their position.

Ander Herrera told MUTV: "I have always liked the way he plays.

"I know he's not a normal right-back because he used to play as a winger but I think that, right now, he is the best right-back in the world maybe with Dani Alves, because I like Dani Alves a lot.”

Adding to his strengths and seemingly becoming a versatile player in the Premier League, Antonio Valencia has appeared crucial in the fresh-looking Manchester United squad. He set up three goals in their pre-season friendly win against Galatasaray and his crosses have been increasingly seen as lethal. One such cross contributed to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Community Shield winner against Leicester City. Besides, it seems his reliability has earned him a reputation that also counts for Herrera’s claims.

"When you have a right-back who is quick to defend and he is crossing maybe six or seven times a game, always or almost always successfully, then he understands football.

"When I have the ball, I know that Antonio's always ready to receive it, always to give you one solution."

Manchester United’s new plans don’t seem to involve Matteo Darmian who impressed in his early days and promised to be a glimmer of hope in a frustrating last season for the Red Devils. With Valencia delivering great performances on the pitch, Herrera believes it indicates healthy competition within the squad and considers it a sign of good things to come.

The midfielder continued as he termed Antonio Valencia "is going to be very important this season" and added: "I think I said at the end of the last season that something good is being cooked, and everyone wants to be part of that."

Antonio Valencia adds pace and an attacking threat to the Manchester United side, he has been criticised for his lack of positioning and defensive abilities. However, under Jose Mourinho he seems to be constantly improving and that gives credence to Herrera’s claims.