Lisandro Martinez has earned praise for club and country for his terrific performances this season.
Manchester United are lucky to have the Argentina centre-back, so what is the secret to his success?
Secret to Martinez success
Martinez’s girlfriend has been speaking to national outlet La Nacion – and she says his preparation methods help him on the pitch.
Muri Lopez Benitez explained that the defender obsesses about matches in advance, and runs through scenarios in his head.
She explained: “He usually lives the matches a couple of days before in his head.
“He’s very focused and gets into it very thoroughly.”
She added that she saw him after Argentina’s defeat to Saudi Arabia and believes the surprise loss could turn out to be a positive for the team.
She said: “Yes, we went to visit him and lift his spirits. It was a hard blow, but at least it was a moment that can wake them up and make them more prepared.”
Martinez ready for Lewandowski
Martinez spoke at a press conference ahead of Argentina’s final group game showdown with Poland tonight.
If selected, he faces a very interesting test against Robert Lewandowski, who he will take on for Manchester United against Barcelona early next year.
He told Ole: “We have to defend well, not to be caught out. He moves well, always in a goal situation and we must be attentive and solid defensively throughout the game.”
The United defender will no doubt have played the game in his head several times already. Lewandowski is almost impossible to prepare for – but Martinez will be ready.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
