Two main strands have dominated the anticipation of Lisandro MartinezFacing Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium in this weekend’s Manchester derby.
First, their opposite heights. UnitedWe have been told that center-back Martinez is 5ft 9in (175cm). CityHaaland (6ft 4in) (195cm). How does a defender keep an attacking player shackled when there’s such a gap?
Second, their previous meeting when Ajax beat visitors Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in the group stage of last season’s Champions LeagueMartinez was given a hug by Erik ten Hag, his head coach, after his display. Martinez can do it again, if he has done it once.
Martinez was actually 5ft 10in (177.8cm), at his United Medical in July.
There are many defenders of similar stature that have reached the top of the game. Franco Baresi, Fabio Kannavaro, and Carles Puyol (178) are three of these defenders. Never before in Martinez’s career has there been a debate about his capabilities in this way.
Ten Hag was contemplating whether Martinez should be used at centre-back at Ajax but, after seeing him in action, quickly concluded that the Argentinian would excel in this position.
United supporters are delighted to have Martinez as their defense specialist.
