Argentine press reacts to Lisandro Martinez’s display in Argentina’s 3-0 vs Iceland, one thing clear

Add as preferred source on Google

Lisandro Martinez played 45 minutes in Argentina’s final game before their World Cup begins, emerging victorious.

Iceland were on the receiving end of three goals from Argentina, scored by Valentin Barco, Lionel Messi, and Thiago Almada.

Lisandro Martinez came through the game unscathed and did his defensive duties brilliantly, while also keeping a clean sheet.

The Argentine press made one thing clear in the aftermath of the result.

Lisandro Martinez shines with the ball vs Iceland

A challenge against Iceland was never really going to rest Argentina much, so this was a chance to really show their quality.

They did so in a commanding performance despite changing their team at half-time, with every player impressing to a varying degree.

Martinez, in particular, was a maverick with the ball, playing the role of a ball-playing centre-back to perfection to keep Iceland on the back foot.

He finished the game with a passing accuracy of 96%, completing 45 passes in 45 minutes to mark a commanding performance with the ball.

The Iceland players were helpless in the face of Argentina’s ball-playing centre-backs, a fact that wasn’t lost on the Argentine press when they reacted to Martinez’s performance.

How the Argentine press reacted to Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has always been a national hero in his home country, regardless of the injury worries that have plagued him recently.

He is a true leader, which the Argentinians appreciate, and the same was reflected in their assessment of his display.

TyC Sports rated him 6/10, but sang his praises, writing, “He had no problems in marking. He was a clear outlet from deep. He was involved in the scramble in the Icelandic penalty area that ended with Barco’s 1-0 goal.”

Ole ran the piece on Messi’s brilliance, but gave credit to Martinez for adding steeliness to the side, raving about his defensive qualities.

La Pagina Millonaria rated Martinez 7/10, writing, “He played almost the entire night in the opposition’s half, taking advantage of Iceland’s passivity. His ball distribution was accurate and quick every time he participated in the build-up play. He barely had to break a sweat.”

Clarin said that Martinez’s defensive solidity ‘proved too much’ for the Icelanders, who didn’t manage a shot on target until the 43rd minute.

Argentina will begin their World Cup campaign with a tricky clash against Algeria on June 17th. Martinez figures to be a key part of their World Cup defence.