Sheffield United Opinion: Antonio Valencia would be a good fit for Wilder’s system
According to Sheffield Star, Sheffield United have made an audacious approach to bring Ecuadorian international Antonio Valencia to Bramall Lane, as the Blades look to add much-needed Premier League experience to their squad.
The 33-year-old stalwart is currently without a club after being released by Man United at the end of this past season and Sheffield Star understands that the Blades would need to fend off interest from a number of clubs if they are really serious about getting their hands on the veteran.
Valencia is not the only veteran free-agent to have been linked with a move to Bramall Lane this summer, with the Blades also weighing up moves for out-of-contract Everton duo Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka, whilst there doesn’t seem to be much truth in Sheffield’s reported interest in former Bayern Munch star Franck Ribery. (h/t Sheffield Star)
The 33-year-old is currently away on international duty with Ecuador but interest in him is likely to be high this summer following his release from Old Trafford. Valencia’s trophy-laden spell at United saw him get his hands on two Premier League titles, Europa League, two League Cups and also the FA Cup.
The former club-captain racked up a staggering 339 appearances for the Red Devils over the course of 12 seasons and established himself as one of the best right-sided players in his prime years in the Premier League. The Ecuadorian finished his Man United career with 25 goals and 62 assists, figures which are certainly remarkable for a versatile right-back cum winger.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United are yet to announce any high-profile signings following their promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2006-07. The Blades finished runners-up to Norwich City in the Championship this past season but one can get the feeling that they do not have enough Premier League experience in their ranks and an overall squad upgrade would enhance their chances of survival in the top-flight.
Stability at the back was one of the hallmarks of United’s successful season in the Championship last term, as the Blades shared the joint best defensive record (41) with Middlesbrough in the division.
Chris Wilder’s preferred 3-4-1-2 system has reaped rich rewards for the club, with the Blades securing two promotions in the space of three seasons under the manager, but the Blades need to be aware that the Premier League can be a very unforgiving platform for the promoted teams.
To put things into perspective, Sheffield are currently not in desperate need of signing Antonio Valencia, given that the Blades already have the likes of Kieron Freeman and George Baldock in their ranks. However, both the right-wing backs almost player an equal number of games last season, meaning that the manager was unable to pick the undisputed first-choice between them.
Now, Sheffield need a settled combination in the Premier League and they cannot afford to rotate their options at the back week-in-week-out. Baldock has been linked with a move to Celtic (h/t Express), and the Blades could find themselves short of cover should the 26-year-old depart. However, United should still look to add Valencia to their ranks even if Baldock stays put at Bramall Lane.
Valencia has played both right-back and right-wing roles over the course of his illustrious career at Old Trafford and it is a no-brainer that he would be a tailor-made fit for Wilder’s back-three system with two-wing-backs. The 33-year-old struggled with injuries last season but one can get the feeling that he still has something to offer at the highest level.
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Even if a move materializes, he probably won’t play each and every game next season, given his age, but his leadership skills on and off the pitch coupled with his vast experience in the Premier League should hand the Blades a massive boost. To conclude, Valencia is well past his prime but he could still add a lot of value to a newly-promoted club like Sheffield United.
