Lisandro Martinez would have been nodding in agreement after hearing Erik ten Hag speaking out on his best position.
The defender looks set to become the latest signing at Manchester United after they agreed a fee with Ajax that could reach as high as £55million. They beat Arsenal to the deal, who had earlier registered an interest but were not keen on going so far in terms of cash.
It means that Ten Hag looks set to reunite with the defender at Old Trafford having already signed Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia. One of the reasons why both Premier League clubs were keen on a transfer was Martinez's versatility.
The Argentina international can play at centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield. However, the 24-year-old is only interested in playing in the heart of defence.
Fortunately for him, that is exactly what Ten Hag is planning to do with him next season at Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, the Dutch manager believes that he is best suited to being a centre-back - a view shared by the player.
In 2021 while in charge of Ajax, Ten Hag also said: "Daley Blind does not have the running capacity to play in midfield. And neither does Martinez." It further indicates that he has only one idea on where to play the Argentine.
It was the 52-year-old that signed Martinez back in 2019 for Ajax as well and, despite being 5ft9, was one of the best players in the team in the backline. His ability on the ball was particularly commended.
Despite his relative shortened height to the likes of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, Martinez actually outperformed both of them in the air. He won more aerial duals than both of them last season but what will excite United fans is his progressive passing.
The defender's ability to break the lines with his pinpoint playmaking from the back is significantly better than any of his prospective counterparts at Old Trafford. It is something that could revolutionise the style of play at United and there is no surprise why Ten Hag demanded his arrival.
One player that might breathe a sigh of relief is Luke Shaw, who will battle Malacia for a starting spot next year at left-back, but he has already explained how Ten Hag has had an impact at the club.
"For me, the levels have definitely stepped up and I think they needed to," Shaw told reporters. "Obviously last season they weren’t as high as they should be, but the manager has brought more intensity and more running from everyone and we’re in a much better place than we were last year.
"I think everyone is looking really sharp and the most important thing is we’re all really enjoying it. He's very hands-on and he takes a lot of the sessions. He’s involved a lot and if he sees people aren’t hitting the standards that he wants in training he’ll make sure they know.
"Last season was very disappointing, not just as a team but also individually for me. It wasn’t what people expect or what I expect and I think this season is another fresh start."
