How Lisandro Martinez has proved everyone wrong with his intense displays for Manchester United

A lot was said about Lisandro Martinez and his height – as to how it would not allow him to succeed in the Premier League. The central defender made the move from Ajax to Manchester United for £56 million this summer to reunite with Erik Ten Hag. 

And his time at Old Trafford has been nothing short of a success so far. Despite standing at 5’9″, he has been able to grow into a first team regular with his remarkable performances. 

How Lisandro Martinez has proved his doubters wrong 

“Now, we should never judge managers or players too early. But I’m convinced this can’t work because the size of him playing in a back four,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Monday Night Football.

”Maybe he could go left-back, maybe he could play in a back three, but in a back four, he cannot play there in the Premier League.”

“What I would say about him, because of his size, is that it is a problem for him. No matter what anyone says, being 5ft 9in is a problem.” 

The 24-year-old has kept five clean sheets in 12 Premier League games. He has also won 52.4% of his tackles, winning 52% of aerial duels and 61% of overall duels. His ball-playing abilities have been a huge plus for the way Ten Hag likes to set up his team. 

Add to that the intensity and aggression that Lisandro Martinez brings to the field, and his height becomes something to forget about.