Lisandro Martinez is one of the success stories of this season and the Argentine is rapidly becoming a fan-favourite at Manchester United.
Martinez became one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings of the summer when he joined from Ajax and he has already faced the wrath of the press in the United Kingdom.
The 24-year-old endured a troublesome first two games at United but since then, he has hardly put a foot wrong and even earned himself the Player of the Month award for August.
Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool player and now Sky pundit, has been vocal in his criticism of Martinez due to his height but the defender has now rejected these suggestions.
“To be honest, it’s a dream come true to be playing at such a big club as Manchester United, especially playing in the Premier League, which I think is one of the best leagues in the world,” Martinez told TyC Sports, via 90min.
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“It’s nice to catch the rhythm of the Premier League, so I’m very happy. I don’t pay attention [to criticism]. I believe in myself, I trust myself. I always work hard every day. That’s what’s going to give you results at the end.”
Martinez’s last four performances have already proven some people wrong and if they are anything to go by, Ten Hag was right to insist on reuniting with him in Manchester.
SN’s verdict…
The obsession with Martinez’s height is strange but you still get the feeling that it will never fully go away. He has already proven that it shouldn’t be a concern.
Martinez is one of the best with the ball at his feet and he’s also dominant aerially. It’s hard to find a weakness in his game and probably most importantly of all, Raphael Varane suits him to a tee.
The pair have formed an unbreakable bond at the heart of United’s defence, keeping three clean sheets from the five games they have started together in all competitions.
Eventually, doubters will come around but it’s still very early days and Martinez will need to keep this form up.
