Lisandro Martinez has been a revelation since joining Manchester United and has contributed enormously to a much-improved defensive unit this season.
Forging a compelling partnership with Raphael Varane, the Argentine has combined composure on the ball and combative determination, quickly becoming a fan favorite in the process.
There has never been a Premier League footballer around whom there has been so much discussion about height, but Martinez has set out to appease his detractors with great aplomb.
Those familiar with the defender’s time at Ajax would have been quick to point out that Martinez has always put up fantastic aerial numbers, not just for a player who stands 5’9”, but for any centre-back.
However, his aerial duel success rate of 66.2% last season didn’t deter the likes of Jamie Carragher from declaring he couldn’t play center back in the Premier League.
As physically demanding as England’s top flight is, Martinez has not wavered.
His success rate in aerial duels so far this season? 70%.
Martinez has not only adapted to the Premier League, he has gotten better with it, rising to the challenge and showing the ‘grinta’ Erik ten Hag credited him with bringing the defender to Old Trafford.
While it’s early days for Martinez, the signs are looking good.
Naturally, playing under his former manager has been a boost for the £55m man, and he has benefited from the familiarity.
Speaking to United’s internal media (via The Mirror), he said: “I know [Ten Hag] very well, I know what he wants, his mentality, his style. I played with him for three years at Ajax and now it’s good to be with him at this amazing club. We keep working hard and now we are ready for the big games.”
The big games will come quickly after the international break, with perhaps the biggest yet taking place on October 2, when Manchester United make the short trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.
While he has played, quite successfully, against Erling Haaland before, Martinez can silence a few more Carraghers with a strong performance here.
