Jamie Carragher still has issues with the height of Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez has put in impressive displays over the last few weeks. However, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher still has doubts about the Argentina international due to his height.
Martinez made his way through the Old Trafford doors earlier in the summer from Ajax. The 24-year-old reunited with former boss Erik ten Hag in Manchester.
The Argentine was questioned for his apparent lack of stature, which normally most centre-backs in the game have. But the 24-year-old has proved his mettle with his performances. However, speaking on The Overlap (h/t Manchester Evening News), Carragher still would not want someone like Martinez in his side.
“I think he’s a good player, I just wouldn’t want a centre-back who is 5ft 9in in my team. I wouldn’t.”
United faltered in the first two games of the Ten Hag era. We lost against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. And our centre-backs came in for a lot of stick. Harry Maguire and Martinez struggled in our first two Premier League games.
Marinez has been impressive
The defensive duo conceded two against the Seagulls and four in the first half at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, since then, Martinez has been solid for the Red Devils. The gaffer has paired the Argentine with Raphael Varane and the two have formed a formidable partnership.
Although Carragher, who played as a defender for Liverpool for 17 seasons, is sceptical about Martinez, he feels the Argentine is still a quality player. Other aspects of the 24-year-old’s game make up for his physical deficiencies.
“We’ll see, it’s only been four games, don’t get carried away. For a defender to be 5ft 9in, and not just to play in the Premier League or any level of football, he’s got to be a good player, because that is not normal.
“His passing is very good, he looks aggressive and he looks [like] a leader. He’s obviously a good player, but to play at that level at 5ft. 9in, I wouldn’t want my team or to play with someone who’s 5ft 9in as a centre-back.”
Martinez has gotten over his early season woes and put in brilliant displays since the Brentford game. United have won four games on the trot since, securing the three points in the North West Derby as well as beating table-toppers Arsenal.
Maguire has seemingly been relegated to the bench. Our captain has not had the best of times in recent months.
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Martinez has brought aggression to the backline. It remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old is able to consistently perform for the Red Devils over the next couple of months.
