Antonio Valencia has again spoken to distance himself from the comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Valencia fills the requirements of a proper winger very well, unlike Ronaldo, who was ridiculously good at scoring goals and whose position became more and more central all the time.

Valencia has scored more goals than James Milner, Ashley Young, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron Lennon, and as for assists, only three players have assisted more goals than Valencia in the league this season.

The decision to sign him was mocked by many a rival at the start of the season, but Valencia has proven to be one of the best buys of 09/10.

“Cristiano is a superstar and I’m Valencia, a footballer learning each day,” said Valencia. “I don’t desire comparisons with him as we are different players. And while I’m happy with my work in the team, I know every day I must fight for my place. It’s not easy to get into this starting XI here – but this is my challenge.”