Antonio Valencia is best right-back in the world alongside Dani Alves, says Ander Herrera

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera claims Antonio Valencia is the best right-back in the world alongside Brazil star and Juventus's summer signing Dani Alves. The Brazil international left Barcelona after enjoying a successful spell with the La Liga giants and joined the Turin club.

Valencia, who initially started featuring as a winger has now been converted into a right-back. He struggled to impress under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, which saw him receive criticism from a section of fans.

However, the Ecuadorian has been one of the star players under Jose Mourinho and played a crucial role in setting up Zlatan Ibrahimovic's winner over Leicester City in the Community Shield and also Wayne Rooney's goal in United's 3-1 win over AFC Bournemouth. He even impressed in the Red Devils' outing against Southampton at Old Trafford in the last league clash, which United won 2-0.

Herrera has backed Valencia to be one of the important players for Mourinho at Old Trafford in the 2016/17 season.

"I know him and have always liked the way he plays," Herrera told United's official 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. I think Antonio is one of the best right-backs in the world.

"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 added.