Roland Cutinho
Tom Heaton praises Man United center-back Lisandro Martinez for impressive start to life at Old Trafford
English goalkeeper Tom Heaton has praised fellow Manchester United teammate Lisandro Martinez for slotting in effortlessly in the current set-up. The former Ajax defender had played a part in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Erik Ten Hag had decided to use his former player in the starting XI and partner the 5ft 9in center-back with Raphael Varane. With Harry Maguire’s form creating some concerns, the fans would expect the pair to have a greater influence in the upcoming season.
Martinez may have proved his point by his impressive performance against the Spanish side. The 24-year-old was smooth while defending, handled pressure situations quite well, and displayed his exquisite passing skills to the home fans.
The Argentine’s impact was such that United backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton couldn’t hide his excitement in welcoming the player to his new club. Speaking to the club’s official website, the English goalkeeper said:
“I really enjoyed playing with him today, I think he’ll be a top, top player for the club. As I say, I thought he was outstanding today and I’m looking forward to watching him this season.
Martinez’s decision to join the Red Devils can help him develop further under his former manager. It would be safe to say that the Argentine may not be the tallest center-back out there, but he has the skills to help him tick all the boxes.
After all, it is not a compulsion to have the tallest center-backs in the Premier League, as demonstrated by Chelsea’s Thiago Silva.
The former Ajax player would be partnered with either Maguire or Varane as Ten Hag is yet to decide his best center-back pairing. The manager could try various combinations but it would still keep the fans on their toes.
With Eric Bailly close to leaving the club and Axel Tuanzebe’s future hanging by the thread, Martinez would have a chance to stamp his place in the starting XI. He would need to be fit and maintain the level of consistency, both the characteristics that have been lacking in United’s top center-backs from the past few years.
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Manchester United need a modern center-back with skills that would help the club in filling the places that they naturally lacked before. The 24-year-old would be in the right place to develop as he has a lot of years ahead of him.
