If Lisandro Martinez joins Manchester United from Ajax, how would he fit into the team?
Lisandro Martinez of Ajax could be joining Manchester United.
Lisandro Martinez, at 5ft 9in, could be mistaken for anything other than a centre-back. Last season's Ajax Player of the Year has built a career that defies the stereotype of central defenders as tall, physically imposing boulders.
Erik ten Hag signed Lisandro Martinez to Ajax in May 2019 and he has played an important role in his three seasons with the Dutch club. Martinez was Ajax's main ball-playing centre-back, appearing in nearly 25 league games per season.
Ten Hag has made Martinez his top defensive target, and the player himself is reportedly pushing for a reunion with his former manager at Manchester United, so now is the time to see how well he fits into United's current XI.
Martinez easily passes the eye test because attack is the best form of defense. Although the Eredivisie is not as demanding as the Premier League, the 24-year-poise old's on the ball is a joy to watch.
There is a general awareness of field position while controlling the ball, which United's current crop of centre-backs, with the exception of Victor Lindelöf, frequently struggle with. Martinez draws pressure due to his low center of gravity before allowing enough breathing room for a forward pass.
'The Butcher,' 'The Pitbull,'
Martinez's high-intensity defensive work earned him the nickname "The Butcher" among Ajax fans. The Argentine told Ajax Life that he prefers the tagline "The Pitbull" because it better represents his underappreciated technical side.
Martinez's jersey bears a combination of the two nicknames. Martinez makes excellent pre-emptive reads of opposing movement for the latter. This then feeds his inner 'Butcher,' as the stalwart defender will viciously hunt for the ball.
Midfield adaptability
McTominay-collaboration Fred's is akin to Marmite. Some see it as the future, while others see it as a major factor in United's recent slump.
Lisandro Martinez provides role versatility and has proven to be a capable defensive midfielder when needed. Working behind Fred and Bruno Fernandes, the Argentine could free up both creators to commit to driving forward with the ball.
Medical clearance
A clean injury slate may not appear on highlight reels, but it is a significant boost to any player's value. Whatever quality Raphael Varane and Eric Bailly have, it won't matter if they can't provide consistent game time in a newly formed defensive line.
There is only one notable injury, a muscle injury that kept Martinez out of the lineup for 8 games from March to May 2022. Otherwise, when compared to United's current defenders, the Argentine is the poster boy for health.
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