[22] Lou Macari on Antonio Valencia and Steve Coppell comparisons

[Red News]

"You knew with Steve Coppell what you'd get. When Steve got the ball you knew he was going to get past his full back, get to the by-line and there would be an end product for strikers and midfield runners in the penalty box. For the likes of myself it was great knowing you could make your run knowing that nine times out of ten Steve would put in a cross and there would be a chance of getting a goal. I think you are getting the same from Valencia now and there also appears to be a lot more to come from him. He's a powerful lad and doesn't mess about he just beats a player and then delivers a decent cross. The fact he is also scoring goals now suggests he is getting more and more confident. Valencia's arrival was totally different to his arrival at Wigan and also Steve Coppell's signing for United in the 70s. He had nothing to lose when he came to England from Villarreal to Wigan. He was an unknown quantity and was initially on loan. There were no expectations and no price tag. So anything he did was something of a bonus to fans. It was the same with Steve when the Doc signed him from Tranmere Rovers for £60,000. There was no great pressure on Steve and he just came in and played his game and the fans were delighted. There had been no pre-conceived ideas about his play. So he was like a breath of fresh air. It is the same with Gabriel Obertan this season. He arrives for next to nothing and without any expectations. He has put in some decent cameos recently and everyone is impressed. However, it wouldn't have been the same if you'd stuck a £16m fee on his head like Antonio had. Then it is a lot more difficult to create an impression."

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