Ajax star says Lisandro Martinez is ‘a big loss’ and they are struggling to replace him

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Ajax were desperate to hold onto Lisandro Martinez in the summer, but were unable to convince the centre-back to stay.

Their attempts to hike up the price did not deter Manchester United, who paid big to sign the defender.

Martinez has become a key part of the United team, and a real fan favourite at Old Trafford, where fans serenade him with chants of ‘Argentina’.

Ajax on the other hand, have been missing him, and goalkeeper Resko Pasveer has been very open about it.

Lisandro Martinez is ‘a big loss’

Ajax drew 2-2 at home to Vitesse last night, missing an opportunity to move to the top of the table.

This season they have now conceded 14 Eredivisie goals – last season they conceded 19 the entire league campaign.

Pasveer admits it has been more difficult, with the team not looking as cohesive at the back without their defensive leader.

He told Voetbal International: “The new trainer also has new ideas, which makes sense. And of course we have other players.

“Martínez was used to the Ajax style of play and put things on edge. I think that’s a big loss centrally on the field. He knew exactly when to cover. That is something we have to learn more centrally, with Calvin (Bassey). We have to work a lot on that.”

He also agreed with an interviewer’s observation that Ajax were not as quick to win the ball back this season, as they were the last under Erik ten Hag, adding: “That is something we have to put a lot of time and energy into. It doesn’t happen, maybe we don’t see it or we don’t coach each other. That is worrying.”

New Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder is under a little pressure after a tough Champions League campaign which saw the team leak goals at an alarming rate, conceding six at home to Napoli.

Martinez meanwhile has been a real gem for Manchester United, living up to his fee and then some. He has been a culture changer for the team’s backline, adding aggressiveness and spirit which was previously lacking.

Ajax’s big loss is Manchester United’s great gain.