Full Name: Lisandro Martínez Date of Birth: January 18, 1998 Nationality: Argentine Position: Centre-back Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) Current Club: Manchester United Previous Clubs: Newell’s Old Boys, Defensa y Justicia, Ajax
Early Career and Move to Ajax (2017 – 2022)
Newell’s Old Boys: Lisandro Martínez began his career at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, a club renowned for producing top talents. He made his professional debut in 2017 before moving to Defensa y Justicia to gain regular first-team experience.
Defensa y Justicia: At Defensa, Martínez impressed with his versatility and ball-playing ability. Initially starting as a defensive midfielder, his skill set made him suitable for playing in defense, and he was soon deployed as a center-back.
Ajax Signing: In 2019, Ajax signed Martínez for around €7 million, viewing him as a long-term replacement for Matthijs de Ligt. At Ajax, he quickly established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Eredivisie, known for his aggressive tackling, intelligence, and composure with the ball at his feet.
Manchester United (2022 – Present)
Transfer to Manchester United: Martínez signed for Manchester United in July 2022 under manager Erik ten Hag, who had previously managed him at Ajax. The transfer fee was reported to be approximately £56.7 million, with United viewing Martínez as a crucial part of their defensive rebuild.
Immediate Impact: Despite initial concerns about his height (1.75 meters) for a Premier League center-back, Martínez quickly won over fans and critics with his tenacity, positioning, and ability to play out from the back. His passion and defensive contributions earned him the nickname “The Butcher”, referring to his aggressive style of defending.
Versatility: Martínez is versatile and can operate as a central defender, left-back, or defensive midfielder. His technical skill allows him to play out from the back, contributing to United’s build-up play, and his physicality and intelligence make him a strong defender despite being shorter than typical center-backs.
Playing Style and Strengths
Aggressive Tackling: Martínez is known for his no-nonsense tackling and aggressive defending, which helps him break up play and win the ball back for his team.
Ball-Playing Ability: One of his greatest strengths is his ability to pass and dribble out from the back. He often contributes to his team’s attacking moves by initiating plays from deep positions.
Positional Intelligence: Although not the tallest center-back, Martínez makes up for it with excellent positional awareness and timing, ensuring he can contest aerial duels and make critical interceptions.
International Career
Argentina National Team: Martínez made his debut for Argentina in 2019 and has become an important squad member for the national team. He was part of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, playing a crucial role in Argentina’s successful tournament campaign.
World Cup Success: While not always a guaranteed starter, Martínez made vital contributions during the World Cup, showcasing his defensive skills and helping Argentina secure their third world title.
Challenges and Criticism
Height Concerns: When Martínez moved to the Premier League, his height (5’9″) raised doubts about his ability to compete in a physically demanding league known for tall, strong forwards. However, his aerial ability, anticipation, and aggression have helped him overcome these concerns, and he has performed well against top opposition.
Honours and Achievements
Eredivisie Titles: Multiple Eredivisie titles with Ajax.
Copa América: 2021 with Argentina.
FIFA World Cup: 2022 with Argentina.
Legacy
Lisandro Martínez is recognized as one of the most promising defenders in world football due to his unique blend of technical and defensive skills. His aggressive style, leadership on the pitch, and versatility make him an asset for both Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Despite his height, Martínez continues to defy expectations and cement his status as a top-tier center-back in European football.
Argentina
