Antonio Valencia going nowhere

10 April 2008 08:42

Antonio Valencia of Wigan Athletic

Wigan Athletic manager Steve Bruce believes players like Antonio Valencia are a dying breed. Valencia, who was originally on loan from Spanish side Villareal, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Latics in January.

And Bruce, who believes the 22-year-old possesses great qualities that make him unique in modern-day football, is adamant that he has a long future at the club.

Wigan face Chelsea on Monday and Bruce will be hoping his talented Ecuador international can inspire an upset at Stamford Bridge.

"Valencia has the ability to dribble and go past people. I don't put him in the Cristiano Ronaldo bracket but players who can run with the ball and beat a man are a dying breed," said Bruce.