Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has praised Argentinian defender Lisandro Martinez.
Evra’s praise comes after Martinez’s heroism helped Argentina win 2-0 against a defensively stubborn Mexican side in Qatar.
Martinez didn’t start in Saudi Arabia’s defeat, and Lionel Scaloni wasted no time turning to the United centre-back to salvage his team’s drowned World Cup hopes.
As he has been for the Red Devils all season, the 24-year-old was a rock on the back, helping the back line close out Mexico before Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste to victory.
Speaking about Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five, Evra called Martinez one of the club’s best signings in recent history.
Evra said of the incredible defender: “He has been one of the best signings for years. His fighting spirit is what United fans want to see. These players have to bleed for the shirt”.
“When he receives the ball, he is so calm and collected. Mexico pressed, but every time he received the ball he was calm and played forward.
“That’s what I love. He plays the ball between the lines like Michael Carrick. He does that and I love it. What a player!”
The Frenchman compared Martinez’s height problems to his own when he arrived in England from France.
Evra commented that, like Martínez, he was subjected to ridicule and unnecessary scrutiny by sectors of the media who considered him too small to succeed.
The former United professional scoffed at claims that Martinez’s height would be a handicap, saying he more than makes up for it with his remarkable aggression and no-nonsense defending.
It is certainly to Martinez’s great credit that one of the greatest defenders in United history has given him the recognition he deserves.
