Ian Wright insists Lisandro Martinez has given Manchester United a "defensive quality" they haven't had for "a while".
Martinez, 24, was signed from Ajax in a £57million deal in July and has featured in all 12 of United's Premier League games this season. The Argentina international put in a stellar performance in the 1-0 win against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
"He’s got defensive quality that I haven’t seen at Manchester United for a while," Wright told Premier League Productions after the game. "Not only his positioning but he passes the ball through the lines. He’s exactly what they’ve needed.
"Someone that doesn’t mess about, there’s no thrills with him it’s just bang, good challenges. He’s been a really, really good signing. I didn’t think he was going to be as good as he’s been."
Fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves added: "He’s added so much to the team. He’s given them so much. His performance in this game had a big impact on Harry Maguire as well. There were so many positives for United today but defensively Martinez was fantastic. Erik ten Hag will be really pleased."
Erik ten Hag left Ajax to become United's new manager in May and soon persuaded the club to give Martinez a five-year contract. The defender helped Ten Hag's Ajax win four trophies - including two Eredivisie titles - and is their reigning Player of the Year.
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Eyebrows were raised when United signed Martinez due to the player's height. At 5ft 9in, the Argentine is the smallest centre-back in the Premier League and some fans expected him to be used at left-back or in defensive midfield due to the division's physicality.
Yet Martinez has quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. He reads the game well and is blessed with enough strength and pace to thwart attackers. His aggression also gives him an edge over United's other centre-backs.
Martinez is already a fan favourite at Old Trafford. He was named United's Player of the Month in August, winning a record 84 per cent of the vote. If his good form continues, there's every chance he will be named the club's Player of the Year come May.
Wright and Hargreaves weren't the only pundits to sing Martinez's praises on Sunday afternoon. "Harry Maguire has to get used to playing on the right side of Manchester United's defence because there is no way he's going to get his spot on the left side," said Gary Neville on commentary. "Lisandro Martinez has made that position his own."
Neville added: "He has been Manchester United's best player by a mile, Martinez. The Manchester United fans are singing for him."
Martinez will be hoping to stay fit ahead of the World Cup, as Argentina aim to win the competition for a third time. This year's tournament is likely to be Lionel Messi's last chance to lift the famous trophy and his team are among the favourites to win it.
