The Understated Rejuvenation of Antonio Valencia at Manchester United

There are two other well-known Antonio Valencias besides Manchester United's Ecuadorian midfielder.

One is a Mexican boxer. The other was a Colombian composer and pianist. Wingers, artistic and creative, usually have more in common with composers. But not Valencia.

Energetic, hard-working and with a stare that could snap a breeze block, he will see more of himself in the boxer.

It's those fighting qualities that have seen Valencia become one of David Moyes' favourites in the early part of the Scot's United reign.

Of the wide players Moyes has available, Valencia has appeared 14 times this season. Adnan Januzaj and Shinji Kagawa have played nine times, Ashley Young eight and Nani six.

Young and Nani might have played more often if they were in better form. Valencia is capable of more too, but Moyes has continued to pick him while Young and Nani have kicked their heels on the sidelines.

And with good reason.

Moyes has discovered very quickly that, if nothing else, Valencia is reliable. He runs up and down his channel relentlessly and protects his full-back like a junkyard dog guarding a pile of old car parts.

A lack of confidence in his left foot limits his options when he goes forward. But he can never be accused of a dereliction of defensive duty.

He was asked to do a very specific job during the win over Arsenal: Instead of stretching the game with instructions to stand out on the touchline, he was told to play inside and squeeze Arsenal's midfield.

Arsene Wenger's side might have had more of the ball, but they didn't have enough space to use it.

Valencia's tactical discipline was key to Moyes' trap. It's hard to imagine Nani or Young taking on the same responsibility.

What happened to Valencia last season is still a mystery. From being United's player of the year in 2012, he looked drained of confidence.

Some Premier League full-backs found him out, showing him onto his left foot knowing he was only ever heading for the byline. Asking for his old No. 25 shirt back after wearing No. 7 for a year suggests there was also a psychological problem.

But under Moyes, Valencia is finding his feet again. The ferocious bursts into the penalty area are more rare than they used to be. Maybe the player who cleaned up at the player of the year awards two seasons ago will one day return.

But in the meantime, Moyes has shown he is prepared to keep faith the 28-year-old, valuing old-fashioned hard work over a bag of tricks and a step-over.

After all, it's always good to have a boxer in your corner.