Daniel José Valencia

athlete

Daniel José Valencia, nicknamed 'Rana', is a former Argentine footballer born in Jujuy, Argentina. He made his mark as a midfielder and was notably chosen by coach César Luis Menotti to play as the starting number 10 for the Argentine national team during the 1978 FIFA World Cup, contributing to the team's victory. Valencia is remembered for his impressive skills on the field, particularly his ability to create plays and his trademark dribbling style. Throughout his club career, he played primarily for Talleres de Córdoba, where he became a beloved figure, known for his loyalty and refusal to join larger clubs like Real Madrid. Beyond football, he has expressed his concerns about the evolving nature of the game and the decline of traditional playmakers. Recently, he was in the news reflecting on the legacy of Menotti, whom he considered a father figure.