The goals have often come in spurts, befitting of an uneven career. He enjoyed wonderful times and disappointing spells in Mexico. Valencia was not a disaster in the Premier League with West Ham and Everton, but he was unable to establish himself as an outstanding striker. Things have gone better with Fenerbahce — especially now, as he heads to Qatar as the Turkish Super Lig’s top goal scorer.
Ecuador will hope that Valencia is on one of his productive runs, and that he can carry that form into the World Cup — but he’s had many ups and downs with the national team. Late in 2019, he equalled 2002 hero Agustin Delgado as Ecuador’s all-time top scorer. There then followed 11 games without a goal until he finally got himself in front. And accompanied by plenty of criticism from the local press and public, he’s only had one goal — and a missed penalty — in the last eight Ecuador games.
– 2022 World Cup: All squad lists for Qatar
The problem is that Valencia’s dry spell has coincided with a collective drought for Ecuador.
On Saturday, Ecuador were held to a goalless draw by Iraq. In itself, this is hardly a disaster. Coach Alfaro was not even especially keen to play the match — he was still missing several players, including Valencia, and the priority was to avoid injuries — but it was a third consecutive game without a goal. Since the end of the qualifiers, Ecuador have kept six straight clean sheets. But they have only scored two goals — a clear cause for concern as they build towards the biggest challenge of their lives.
The team’s centre-forward is the rangy Michael Estrada, whose form was much better in the first half of qualifying than the second. Valencia is most often used cutting in from the left. Brighton’s attacking full-back Pervis Estupinan keeps the pitch wide, allowing Valencia to move in towards goal. Plenty will depend on him doing it well in Qatar.
Ecuador are looking for a “captain’s innings” from Valencia, their one outfield player with proven World Cup pedigree. Nicknamed “Superman,” no one is really expecting Valencia to save the world, but there is a more realistic hope that he can carry his club form to Qatar and boost Ecuador’s chances in the World Cup.
