Lisandro Martinez‘s move to Manchester United is close, with De Telegraaf reporting the final touches are being put on a transfer. He was left out of training today ahead of his move.
Martinez will be a crucial player for United, a very strong passer of the ball who Erik ten Hag knows he can trust, and a player with different defensive characteristics to the Red Devils’ other centre-backs.
It’s most probably Martinez will be coming in to play centre-back, however, he does have experience playing in defensive midfield too, a position where United are notoriously weak.
Martinez is certainly not opposed to playing in the position if asked to by his manager.
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What Lisandro Martinez has said about playing in defensive midfield
In an in-depth interview with Argentine newspaper Ole last year in which Martinez said his idol was Gabriel Heinze, he said he was ready to play in defensive midfield if required, having done so briefly for Ajax.
Of his 118 appearances for Ajax, Martinex played in defensive midfield 22 times, per Transfermarkt.
The 24-year-old explained: “It was a position that I already knew. Playing as a central midfielder changes you in decision making. You usually have less time and space. It is another type of panorama when it comes to playing. It is key to perfect the control and always receive well to save time. It’s a nice position.
“I’m not closed to anything. The day I get to play central midfielder, I’ll do it again. If that helps the team, I’m going to do it.
“The same as from the side [full-back]. I consider myself a versatile player who is always predisposed to give the best beyond the position.”
It is likely we do see Martinez in defensive midfield for Manchester United at some point, given Erik ten Hag selected him there for 18 per cent of his Ajax matches, and the quality of other centre-backs available – just don’t expect it to happen too regularly.
Adjusting to the Premier League
Martinez admitted he had to learn when he joined Ajax from Argentine side Defensa y Justicia. But he was able to do so quickly.
A similar learning trajectory will likely be required in England, and fans may have to be patient early on.
He explained: “I was surprised by the accuracy and speed with which they play there [in Holland]. They are at a much more advanced level. I also had to adapt to the speed of decision making. When you receive, you have little time to execute. There is a lot of intensity in that. You have to perfect the pass, improve your vision of the game.
“These are details that make you win games or generate goal situations for your team. At first it was hard for me. I felt uncomfortable, I didn’t have a good time. Over time, with the work and support of the coach and my teammates, I began to get the hang of it.”
Martinez more than ‘got the hang of it’, he perfected his game, helping Ajax finish first in the league three times, and winning the player of the year award last season. United are signing a gem, he might just need a little time at first.
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