Lisandro Martinez is set to become Erik ten Hag’s third signing as Manchester United boss.
The Argentine will arrive from Ajax for around £46m as the new Old Trafford boss continues to reinforce his defensive options. His imminent signing follows the arrivals of Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen.
Martinez was a key player for Ten Hag in the Netherlands last season as they stormed to the Eredivisie title. A lot has been said about the versatile defender, and it’s overwhelmingly positive.
READ MORE: Lisandro Martinez flies in to finalise Manchester United transfer
Jaap Stam in June
"What's important is that a defender has cleverness. Quickly read where the ball goes, a little nudge or push. Martinez has also developed that.
"Martinez is very skilled and creative in his passing. And because Martinez is comfortable on the ball, he can also play as a defensive midfielder.”
Rio Ferdinand this week
"I think he's a good signing. The more I have looked into him, the better.
"I listened to [Jurrien] Timber and he said that 'I wasn't at my game at a certain point and Martinez always shouts at me' - so he's got that element of being a leader.
“He is very aggressive, physical and can play. His question marks are his height and his pace - they are the only two."
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan last month
“Martinez will have his hopes pinned on United, who are an absolute top club for him.”
Erik ten Hag in 2021
"He is an example of what my statement about more than eleven basic players is based on. He can play left-back, left central defender and left controlling midfielder.
"He has good technique, overview on the ball, duelling power, but he has less walking ability, for example.”
Lisandro Martinez himself on multiple occasions
"I am called the Canisero - the Butcher of Amsterdam. We Argentines do everything with passion - and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball.
"If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends.
"That is the feeling I have - and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain.
"[Fabio] 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. I loved that style – and I am just like him.
"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 Ten Hag.”
READ MORE:
