Watch: Why height won’t matter for Lisandro Martinez at Man United
Manchester United have completed the signing of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and plenty is being made of his height.
We’ve checked out the Argentine defender in our latest YouTube video and looked into just what he could offer to Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
Being only five foot nine inches, Martinez will become the shortest centre-half in the Premier League, a record which Nathan Ake previously held.
Last season in the Dutch Eredivisie Martinez won 79 aerial duels with a success rate of 70%.
He averaged 3.4 aerial duels won per 90, which is more than Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly managed.
The most significant skill set he can bring to the Manchester United backline this season is his ability to pick a pass and play out from the back.
In the Eredivisie, Ajax averaged 66.6% possession which was more than any other side.
Martinez himself averaged 81.8 passes per game, with a pass completion rate of 88.9%. He also averaged 5.4 accurate long balls per match, which is more than any United player managed last season.
During his time with Ajax, the Argentine defender enjoyed a wealth of success.
Whilst at the club he won four trophies, including two league titles.
Across his three seasons with the Dutch club, he made 120 appearances and scored six goals in total.
His versatility will also make him a valuable asset for Man United in the long run. As well as playing as a centre half he has also had spells at left-back and in midfield.
READ: The 6 players Erik ten Hag has signed more than once: Martinez, Haller…
As he is left-footed, he is expected to slot in as the left-sided centre-half in the United side next to Harry Maguire or Raphael Varane.
Throughout the years as Martinez has progressed as a player he has also garnered recognition from his national side.
He made his first appearance for Argentina in 2019 and he has since been capped nine times by his country.
As the World Cup is coming up later this year, he will be looking to hit the ground running at Old Trafford in order to secure his spot in Lionel Scaloni’s side this winter.
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