Lisandro Martinez started for Argentina as they took a big step towards qualification for the knockouts with a 2-0 win against Austria.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria were a potential banana skin fixture, and the situation looked tricky once Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
However, Lisandro Martinez and Co performed brilliantly with and without the ball to secure a clean sheet and ensure three points for Argentina.
Here’s how the Man Utd star fared, in particular, in a game that will also be remembered for Messi breaking Miroslav Klose’s record for most World Cup goals with a brace.
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How Lisandro Martinez fared vs Austria
Austria were a tough opponent for Martinez because of Ralf Rangnick’s high-intensity pressing style of football.
However, Martinez relished the challenge of escaping the press, either by passing it through the lines or dropping his shoulder to evade that press.
It resulted in him becoming somewhat of a buildup outlet more than a traditional defender, a role he performed with gusto.
He finished the game with the most passes out of anyone on the pitch, and combined it with his trademark defensive aggression to keep Austria at bay.
They threatened on occasion, mostly on transitions, but Martinez stood tall like a rock even as his centre-back partner changed in the second half.
With more than 80 touches of the ball, defensive contributions, ace passing ability, and leadership ability, this was the very best of Martinez.
It bodes well for Argentina’s chances in the tournament, and will fill Man Utd fans with confidence that he’s getting back to his best.
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