How would Lisandro Martinez fit into the Arsenal midfield?

Lisandro Martinez

How would Lisandro Martinez fit into the Arsenal midfield?

By Tum Balogun 

Recent reports suggest Arsenal face a battle to secure the signature of Ajax star Lisandro Martinez. 

The 24-year-old Argentinian had his best season last term while playing at centre back, though the versatile left-footed ace has experience across the back three as well as in the number 6 position. 

The Gunners look well set for starting centre back options but in midfield, Martinez could prove a real asset. 

 

Number 6

At just 175cm, Martinez’s frame makes for an unlikely centre-half, yet the Ajax man excelled in all 37 matches he played from that position.

He even chipped in with a goal and four assists. 

In the modern game, where the best sides adopt an aggressive play style, controlling possession and then relentlessly pursuing it when lost, players with good passing abilities are vital. 

This is arguably Martinez’s biggest quality, one that would be perfect for the base of an Arsenal midfield three.

If deployed in that position by Mikel Arteta, similar to the role Rodri plays at Manchester City, the defender would operate in between the preferred centre-half options, essentially creating a back three.

Martinez should be pretty comfortable with the similar on-field positions he’ll take up while also being protected by the defensive cover.

 

Left of the midfield two

The other, more likely, option would be in the midfield two of a 4-2-3-1, effectively replacing Granit Xhaka in last season’s starting line-up. 

The role offers the Gunners a couple of exciting avenues to affect the game in offensive positions while remaining solid defensively. 

For much of last season, Arteta would adopt a quasi 3-4-3 when in possession as the two full-backs would push forward, Xhaka shifted to fill the void on the left.

Martinez's experience playing in this position, his left-footed preference, as well as his passing abilities, make him an improvement on this role - not to mention the Swiss international’s tendency to produce semi-regular moments of madness. 


Verdict 

It’s looking increasingly likely that the Argentinian will be playing his football in the Premier League next term but Manchester United look well placed to snatch him off Arsenal hands. 

With the defender's former manager, Erik Ten Hag, at the wheel - I mean helm - a move up north seems inevitable.

However, if Arteta and Edu do manage to work their persuasive magic on another promising South American, Martinez will find a comfortable home in North London with the Gunners. 

 Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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