Champions League Player Ratings: Manchester United v Valencia – Part 2
We have seen how the Manchester United players faired against a decent Valencia team. Despite the loss of both David Villa (Barcelona) and David Silva (Manchester City) last summer, Valencia have done extremely well to cope without them this season.
Now bettor.com looks at the Valencia side, and how their players measured up in a gritty performance against United at Old Trafford.
VALENCIA
Guaita: 7.5
The Spaniard had a stunning night, as he made one spectacular save after another. However, he should and could have done better with the shot from Ji-Sung Park, which was turned in by Anderson after Guaita failed to push the shot wide. Nevertheless he was
Valencia’s best player on the night.
Miguel: 5.5
The Portugese was put to sword by Park and Rooney. He failed to match the energy levels of the Manchester United players and hardly linked up with his team-mates in attack.
Ricardo Costa: 6.0
He did well to keep Berbatov in check, and made some really nice and timely interceptions. However he was not ably supported and therefore looked a little out of position every now and then.
Dealbert: 5.5
He looked solid every now and then, but failed to win his fair share of headers. He was handled relatively easily by Berbatov, and he had no answer to the pace of United's other attackers.
Jeremy Mathieu: 6.0
He had a tough task to keep Nani quiet, and he did exceptionally well. He was shaky at the start but settled in as the game went on. Mathieu did not make use of his gifted left foot when he was up in attack.
Pablo Hernandez: 6.5
Hernandez's pace and dribbling were a constant threat to United’s goal, and it came as no surprise when he found space on the right-hand side and slotted the ball home brilliantly.
Ever Banega: 7.0
The stylish Argentine looked accomplished in the centre of the park. He was tidy in possession, and was quick to get to ball to his more attacking team-mates. He had a solid night against Carrick.
Albelda: 6.0
He was neat on the ball and looked assured with the ball at his feet. However, he failed to match the pace of the Manchester United’s midfield. His ageing legs were tested to the fullest, and he failed to come out on top in his battle with Anderson.
Jordi Alba: 5.5
The winger positioned himself well, but failed to create much on the night. He lacked the quality in his deliveries, and was rightly substituted for Juan Mata in the 67th minute.
Alejandro Dominguez: 7.0
He looked like Valencia’s main outlet, and had loads of energy. He set up Hernandez for the goal after he had robbed Carrick in his own half. Dominguez hit the post as well, and was substituted after pulling his hamstring.
Aduriz Zubeldia: 6.5
His off-the-ball runs were great, and he caused United all sorts of problems with his brilliant movement. He would have liked to have got more goal-mouth action, but his movement allowed his team mates to get into goal scoring positions. He worked hard against
the likes of Vidic.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Juan Mata: 6.0
He came on in the 67th minute and looked lively during his time on the pitch. However he failed to make an impact on the game.
Isco: 6.0
Replaced the impressive Dominguez and failed to match the quality of the player he replaced.
Sofiane Feghouli: 6.0
Came on late and failed to make any serious impression, but looked assured with the ball at his feet.
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