Lisandro Martinez has made a big impression since signing for Manchester United from Ajax in the summer.
The Argentina international has been a leader in the centre of defence, forming a terrific partnership with Raphael Varane.
The World Cup winner now has a Carabao Cup medal and played a key role in the 2-0 win over Newcastle at Wembley.
The victory has underlined how important a player he has been for the club, and it has not come as a surprise at all to those who watched him star for Ajax.
Gullit on Martinez
Lisandro Martinez was a key figure in Erik ten Hag’s Ajax success and was voted as the club’s player of the year last season.
Dutch legend Ruud Gullit is pleased to see it, in comments reported by Dutch outlet Soccer News.
Gullit said: “Casemiro and Lisandro Martínez have brought winning mentality, struggle and football to United.
“When he came from Ajax, everyone had reservations about Martinez as a central defender. Mainly because of its short length. He has silenced all critics.
“No matter how big, wide or strong his opponents are, he doesn’t shy away from anything and is so comfortable on the ball in the build-up that many attacks start with him.”
Gullit on Ten Hag
Gullit also praised manager Ten Hag, arguing that he has even improved as a manager since leaving Ajax for Manchester United.
He said: “Foreign clubs are looking to our country again for coaches and players as a result of Manchester United winning the League Cup.
“Ten Hag is responsible for this. He looks great in England and has developed further in Manchester.”
Ten Hag has certainly been challenged at United, especially at the start of the season, when it looked like the club was on the brink of falling apart two games into the season.
Every time there has been a setback, he has helped United to come back stronger, and there is a real genuine belief among the fanbase that an era of dominance may be on the horizon.