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Player Profile: Lisandro Martínez

25th May 2024; Wembley Stadium, London, England; FA Cup Final Football, Manchester City versus Manchester United; Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United celebrates after the final whistle. Credit: John Patrick Fletcher / Action Plus

Player Profile: Lisandro Martínez

Full Name: Lisandro Martínez

Age: 26 (as of 2024)

Current Club: Manchester United

Position: Centre-back / Defensive Midfielder

National Team: Argentina

Characteristics

Strengths

  • Tactical Intelligence: Martínez is known for his excellent reading of the game, positioning, and ability to make crucial interceptions.
  • Versatility: Capable of playing both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, he provides tactical flexibility.
  • Passing and Ball Distribution: Martínez excels in ball distribution, contributing significantly to building plays from the back with precise short and long passes.
  • Aggressiveness and Tenacity: Known for his physicality, he brings a combative edge to Manchester United’s defense, often winning duels against opponents.

Weaknesses

  • Height: At 5’9” (1.75 m), Martínez is shorter than typical centre-backs, which can be a disadvantage in aerial duels against taller strikers.
  • Over-commitment: His aggressive style sometimes leads to fouls or over-commitment, which can be exploited by savvy attackers.

Style of Play

Lisandro Martínez thrives in a high-press, aggressive defensive setup where his tenacity and ball-playing abilities can shine. His versatility allows him to be deployed in central defense or as a shield in front of the backline in a defensive midfield role. He is proactive in his approach to defending, often stepping out of the line to intercept passes and break up play, which helps in quickly transitioning the ball from defense to attack.

Performance

Offensively, Martínez stands out with his ball-playing skills. He often initiates attacks from deeper positions with his precise passing, either short to the midfield or long balls to the forwards. Defensively, his intelligence and positioning make him formidable in one-on-one situations and effective at intercepting passes.

National Team Contributions

Lisandro Martínez has been a consistent performer for the Argentine national team, contributing notably to their defensive stability. His presence in the squad has been crucial during international fixtures and tournaments, adding depth and reliability to the defense.

Contract Status

  • Current Contract Ends: 2027
  • Contract Details: Martínez signed a long-term contract with Manchester United that extends until 2027, reflecting the club’s confidence in his abilities and their intention to retain him for the foreseeable future.

Performance During 2023–2024 Season

Lisandro Martínez had a standout 2023-2024 season with Manchester United. As a key figure in the defense, he was instrumental in solidifying the backline, contributing to numerous clean sheets throughout the season. His ability to read the game, combined with his distribution skills, allowed United to transition smoothly from defense to attack. Martínez’s aggressive and committed style of play also saw him earn plaudits for his fearless defending, particularly in high-pressure matches against top-tier opponents. While his height posed occasional challenges in aerial duels, his overall performance was widely regarded as one of the best among center-backs in the Premier League.