If Manchester United and Arsenal transfer target Lisandro Martinez does eventually enter the Premier League, his first appearance against Liverpool will make for interesting viewing.
The 24-year-old is wanted by both English sides this summer, with both clubs so far making transfer bids below Ajax 's £43million valuation. Martinez has established himself as an accomplished centre-back for both club and country, a valuable asset when winning trophies with Ajax and Argentina.
But his 5ft 9in height still forces the defender to face questions in relation to his size. But if his comments on Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk are anything to go by, it doesn't faze him in the slightest. Indeed, it would seem he's not a fan of the Dutch colossus.
The Argentine has revealed that he looks to emulate Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro, the only defender to ever win the Ballon d'Or, and bases his game on the ex-Juventus and Real Madrid ace.
"Cannavaro was comfortable on the ball. And, despite his lack of height, he challenged for every ball as if it was the last tackle to win the game," the ex- Newell's Old Boys prodigy, nicknamed 'the butcher of Amsterdam', explained. "I loved that style – and I am just like him."
He then went on to throw some shade at the Liverpool man: "I would prefer not to be like Virgil van Dijk. His height is certainly a big plus, but when you don’t have the other qualities, it is worth nothing. My favourite position is definitely central defence. I started out as a midfielder, but I learned all the qualities for a central defender who plays in an attacking team under [Erik] Ten Hag. I can look after myself."
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Martinez's performances over the past three seasons have seen his stock continue to rise, developing well under Ten Hag's tutelage. Now in charge of United, the Dutch tactician hopes to use his personal touch to sway his former pupil towards Old Trafford and away from Arsenal.
Ten Hag is unsurprisingly a big fan of Martinez and his ball-playing attributes, heaping praise on his left-sided ace last year, despite not selecting him for a period. "The competition is fierce at Ajax and therefore some players have to be patient," the new Red Devils manager explained, as quoted by Voetbal International.
"It is true that someone like Lisandro Martinez plays less than last season, but I am satisfied with him. He can play left back, left central defender and left controlling midfielder. He has good technique, overview on the ball, dueling power, but he has less walking ability, for example."
