Enner Valencia

[bluenosematt]

Would start him ahead of those 2 anyday

At last someone who agrees. Wouldn't buy him, especially for the fee West Ham want, but offers much more than them 2. Can't wait till Mirallas inevitably gets binned off to be perfectly honest.

 

[Elvis]

What position did he play in? Something similar to how Kone used to play under Martinez? Missed the game.

He played right wing in a 4141 formation.
It was interesting to see that often McCarthy and Barkley in the inside positions were closer to Lukaku than Valencia and Lennon who both played very disciplined and quite deep positions.
I thought we looked better with just the one holding in midfield.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

The Ecuadorian Straq

Worked harder than anyone on that pitch last night, put in a proper shift

Lacking in skills but is an utter nuisance

Very much a Mikey Fitz player

 

[flibbyflob]

A bit like Lennon on loan a few years ago, all over the place and did a great job for the side when the previous incumbents couldn't be bothered to put in a shift. More of the same please.

 

[bluestevon]

The Ecuadorian Straq

Worked harder than anyone on that pitch last night, put in a proper shift

Lacking in skills but is an utter nuisance

Very much a Mikey Fitz player

Worked his arse off, even when clearly knackered from about 60 minutes in, may not be here after the summer, but keeps that effort up he will be remembered well

 

[loooweee]

The Ecuadorian Straq

Worked harder than anyone on that pitch last night, put in a proper shift

Lacking in skills but is an utter nuisance

Very much a Mikey Fitz player

He was pretty skillfull tbh at retaining the ball

 

[ToffeeTim]

I was pleasantly surprised with him

 

[Fat Eric]

When we signed him I knew he couldn't replace Rom playing uptop on his own but boy did he put a shift in last night. I think he played everywhere across the front line. His decision making at times was poor but a goal would help settle him and improve confidence....Hopefully Monday night eh blues!!

 

[BlueToff]

Play two strikers, and we're a better side.

End of.

He was first to every second ball during that spell in the first half where we were all over them, and it helps Rom an awful lot too.

Also, he made some great runs that took defenders away, and Rom actually peeled off and got in behind

 

[Caolam]

He looked as if he had some professional pride in what he was doing in front of people who pay money to watch.

 

[madden95]

Really happy with him he worked hard, never really lost the ball, retained it well, was really up for it deserved that applause when he come off and if he keeps up with that effort will be a handy loan acquisition. Not the answer mind but happy with him last night

 

[Eggs]

....at the risk of being a bit cynical, I'm always a bit wary of footballers who are playing for contracts or contract extension. Their form and work rate can significantly improve only for them to go back on easy street afterwards. To be fair, Valencia hasn't had many opportunities and I would hope he slips down the pecking order after this window but he did well last night.

 

[jimmythenut]

Enner basically done all the closing down/pressing from the front which we usually lack from our 4-5-1. It's been mentioned from many managers that a pressing game will never work if the forwards don't contribute. Last night they finally did!

It didn't feel like a 4-4-2 to me. Looked more like Valencia was tasked to hound their back line similar role to Gana but much higher up the pitch. Fantastic performance from the lad.

 

[Little Ralphy]

His work rate was quality and he played an important part in the game. Unfortunately with the ball there was no quality whatsoever from him though.

 

[Chimpy Glassman]

First start and he was cracking. The question is - would he play like that every game?