Hutchings backs Valencia
Antonio Valencia has been backed to step into Cristiano Ronaldo's shoes at Manchester United.
Chris Hutchings was assistant to Paul Jewell when Wigan took a punt on a little-known Ecuadorian winger three summers ago.
That gamble has certainly paid rich dividends, with Sir Alex Ferguson understood to have agreed to pay 15m for his services, eclipsing the club record 14m that Latics received from Spurs for Wilson Palacios in January.
Valencia is expected to put pen to paper at Old Trafford within the next 24 hours pending the formalities of a medical and personal terms.
And Hutchings – now boss of Walsall – is convinced the player possesses the ability to really make his mark at the Theatre of Dreams.
Hutchings told the Evening Post: "I have always believed Antonio could quite comfortably slot into one of the top teams in the world, and go on to perform at the very highest level.
"He has got everything – very good pace, he crosses a good ball and he is a very intelligent player.
"He can also play inside or off the two strikers as well as playing out wide. We could see the potential back then and he has gone on to play exceptionally well for Wigan.
"That has led to interest from clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid – which shows exactly what a gem Valencia (right) turned out to be."
Valencia arrived at the JJB Stadium after the 2006 World Cup, initially
on a season-long loan deal which was extended by Hutchings when he assumed full control of the club the following summer.
Steve Bruce was in charge when a permanent transfer was agreed in January of last year, since when the player's stock has risen seemingly by the week.
United look to have beaten off stiff competition from Real for his prized signature, and Hutchings believes Valencia is more than capable of handling the big step up.
He added: "Antonio is a bright footballing man and he picks things up very quickly.
"He understands the game and other players can see what a good player he is.
"His attitude at all times is also excellent.
"He works very hard and he is a top professional who was very popular in the dressing room during my time at Latics and will join in with everything.
"If the lads would organise a go-karting trip he would throw himself into that, and I think that is very important for foreign players to do – to try to become a member of the squad off the pitch as well as on it.
"It's difficult when you don't speak the language but he was one who always went along to every event and always had a smile on his face.
"If he could look to improve an area of his game it would be his goals tally, but it does take time for foreign players to
come over here and settle down completely."
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Weather for Wigan
Thursday 09 September 2010
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