Cape Town - Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera believes teammate Antonio Valencia is currently one of the best right-backs in world football at the moment.
The 31-year-old defender has begun the season like a house on fire under new coach Jose Mourinho and Herrera suggests that, despite the Ecuadorian not actually being a defender, he ranks amongst the best right-backs in the world.
"I know him and have always liked the way he plays," he told the club's website.
"I know he's not a normal right-back because he used to play as a winger, but I think that, right now, he is the best right-back in the world, maybe with Dani Alves, because I like Dani Alves a lot."
The Spaniard cited the attacking prowess of Valencia as a full-back and highlighted that Valencia is expected to play a big part in Mourinho's plan going forward for United.
"When you have a right-back who is quick to defend and he is crossing maybe six or seven times a game, always or almost always successfully, then he understands the football. When I have the ball, I know that Antonio's always ready to receive it, always to give you one solution.
"I think he's going to be very important this season. He has already been very important for the club, he has already been here eight years, but I think I told you at the end of the last season something good is being cooked and everyone wants to be part of that," he concluded.
Valencia who is now in his eighth season at Old Trafford has registered 254 appearances and 21 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils since his arrival from Wigan Athletic.