Anthony Valencia
Anthony Lenín Valencia Bajaña is an Ecuadorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
Career
Born in the Ecuadorean city of Guayaquil, Valencia began his footballing career with Deportivo Azogues, training with the Azogues-based side from 2013 until 2014. He went on to join C.S.D. [Independiente del Valle|Independiente del Valle] in 2017, and represented the club's youth side at the U-20 [Copa Libertadores], with his performances earning him a place in The Guardian's "Next Generation 2020", highlighting the best young players in world football.On 8 June 2022 it was announced that Valencia would join Belgian [First Division A|Belgian] club Royal Antwerp on a 4 year deal. He notched his first assist for the club in his second appearance for the club; providing the pass for Radja Nainggolan's second goal in a 3–1 win over Norwegian opposition Lillestrøm in the UEFA [Europa Conference League] on 4 August 2022. The following month, he scored his first goal for the club; after an attack by Royal Antwerp, the attempted clearance from a Westerlo defender rebounded off forward Vincent Janssen and fell for Valencia, who headed the ball past goalkeeper Sinan Bolat.