8/3/2004 11:13:00 AM

The Deportivo manager once told Juan Carlos Valeron that if he
tried harder he would be the best in the world. Who could argue?

The Deportivo and Spanish international playmaker has thrilled
many with his magnificent technique and his killer passes whilst
taking complete control of the midfield. Valeron looks to be in
slow motion when he receives the ball and once with the ball he
is a magician whether he splitting the finest defences with a
through ball or magically jinking past his opponents.

Arsenal fans would not require reminding on the match where he
gained supremacy over the midfield and destroyed Arsenal’s
chances of a treble in 2002. AC Milan fans also do not need
reminding on how he imperiously and majestically gained control
of the famous 4-0 win to Deportivo in the Champions League last
season. Valeron had a grand entrance to Euro 2004 when he scored
against the Russians whose defence had held firm until his first
touch after being introduced as a substitute. But unfortunately
for Spain, Inaki Saez opted for a more defence minded strategy
and football fans missed out on the silky skills of Valeron
throughout most of the tournament.

Valeron is a true game-breaker and is often dubbed as the Spanish
Zidane. Valeron has been inspirational for Depor in past seasons,
and played a pivotal role when Depor won the Spanish Cup. Although
he tends to drift in and out of games, no one could deny his talent
and ability once he receives the ball as almost every play of
Deportivo receives Valeron’s seal of approval.

Without trying harder, Valeron is amongst one of the finest in
today’s game. One must wonder what level he would aspire to if he
did put that extra effort in? Once he gets into a game, there is
no stopping this highly gifted playmaker. "