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Lisandro Martínez

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Lisandro Martínez (born 18 January 1998) is an Argentine professional footballer who plays primarily as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester United and the Argentina national team. Nicknamed "The Butcher" for his aggressive style of play, Martínez is widely regarded for his defending, ball-playing ability, and mentality.[3]

Lisandro Martínez
Martínez playing for Manchester United in 2022
Personal information
Full name Lisandro Martínez[1]
Date of birth (1998-01-18) 18 January 1998 (age 26)[2]
Place of birth Gualeguay, Argentina
Height 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre-back
Team information
Current team
 Manchester United
Number 6
Youth career
2002–2006 Club Urquiza
2006–2014 Club Libertad
2014–2017 Newell's Old Boys
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Newell's Old Boys 1 (0)
2017–2018 → Defensa y Justicia (loan) 21 (1)
2018–2019 Defensa y Justicia 25 (2)
2019–2022 Ajax 74 (6)
2022– Manchester United 48 (1)
International career‡
2017 Argentina U20 4 (0)
2019 Argentina U23 1 (0)
2019– Argentina 26 (1)
Medal record
Men's football
Representing  Argentina
FIFA World Cup
Winner 2022 Qatar
Copa América
Winner 2021 Brazil
Winner 2024 United States
CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions
Winner 2022 England
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:41, 10 November 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:12, 20 October 2024 (UTC)

Martínez began his career at Newell's Old Boys before joining Defensa y Justicia in 2017, initially on loan. He signed for Ajax in 2019, where he made 120 appearances over three seasons and won two Eredivisie titles and one KNVB Cup. He won the Ajax Player of the Year award in the 2021–22 season.

Martínez represented Argentina at under-20 and under-23 levels, before making his senior international debut in March 2019. He was a member of the Argentina squads that won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

Club career

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Newell's Old Boys

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Martínez with Newell's Old Boys in 2016

Martínez had youth spells with Club Urquiza (Gualeguay, Entre Rios), Club Libertad (Gualeguay, Entre Rios) and Newell's Old Boys.[4][5] He made his professional debut for Newell's in the club's final fixture of the 2016–17 season, when he played the full match in a loss to Godoy Cruz.[6][7]

Defensa y Justicia

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In August 2017, Martínez joined fellow Argentine Primera División side Defensa y Justicia on loan.[8][9] His first appearance for Defensa arrived on 13 October in a defeat against San Lorenzo.[7] Two appearances later, he scored his first senior goal in an away win versus Temperley.[7][10] Defensa y Justicia purchased 50% of the rights to Martínez in June 2018.[11]

Ajax

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On 17 May 2019, Defensa y Justicia announced that a deal had been agreed with Eredivisie team Ajax; subject to the passing of a medical.[12] Ajax paid the Argentine side €7m for the transfer of Martínez.[13] Ajax announced the completion of the medical on 20 May, with the transfer to go through on 1 July.[14] He penned a four-year contract, with the option of a further year.[14] He didn't officially join until July, though did feature in June friendlies with Quick '20 and AaB.[7] Before Ajax signed him, they tracked his progress for two and a half years.[15] His competitive bow came in the 2019 Johan Cruyff Shield against PSV Eindhoven, as Ajax won the trophy following a two-goal victory.[7] He was voted man of the match in his second Eredivisie game; in a win over Emmen.[16]

Martínez netted his first Ajax goal on 28 September, as he opened the scoring in a 2–0 victory over Groningen at the Johan Cruyff Arena.[17] He scored again against Utrecht in November, in a campaign which was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] In his first match of 2020–21, Martínez got his third Ajax goal in a home win versus RKC Waalwijk on 20 September.[7]

Manchester United

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On 16 July 2022, it was announced that Manchester United had agreed a deal with Ajax for the signing of Martínez for a reported transfer fee between £47 million to £49 million, plus £8.5 million in add-ons.[18] The transfer was officially completed on 27 July, when Martínez signed a five-year contract with the club.[19] The next day, it was confirmed that he would wear the number six shirt last worn by Paul Pogba.[20] On 7 August, Martínez made his club debut in a 2–1 home loss against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.[21] However, after performances against rivals Liverpool and Southampton, he received the Manchester United Player of the Month award for August.[22]

On 22 January 2023, Martínez scored his first goal for Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.[23] His first trophy with the club came on 26 February, with a win over Newcastle United in the 2023 EFL Cup final.[24] On 13 April, Martínez injured his right foot while playing in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla. The following day, it was confirmed that he fractured the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot and would miss the remainder of the season.[25]

On 29 September, Martínez reinjured his foot,[26] and was sidelined for four months, returning on 14 January 2024 as a substitute in Manchester United's 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.[27] On 4 February, in a match against West Ham United, he was substituted in the 71st minute after a collision with West Ham defender Vladimír Coufal.[28] It was then confirmed that he had sustained an MCL injury, and was expected to be out for at least eight weeks.[29] He returned on 25 May in the 2024 FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester City, where United triumphed with a 2–1 victory.[30]

International career

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Martínez won four caps for the Argentina under-20 team at the 2017 South American Youth Football Championship in Ecuador.[7][5][31] The first came during the first stage against Venezuela, while the other three arrived during the final stage as Argentina finished fourth place and subsequently qualified for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea.[7] He received a call-up for the U-20 World Cup but failed to make an appearance, appearing on the substitutes bench once against Guinea.[7][32] Martínez made one appearance for Argentina at under-23 level,[33][better source needed] in a 5–0 friendly victory against Bolivia in September 2019.[34][35][better source needed]

In March 2019, Martínez received his first call-up to the senior team.[36] He debuted against Venezuela on 22 March in Madrid.[37] Martínez made one appearance at the 2021 Copa América,[7] which Argentina won.[38] He was an unused substitute in Argentina's 3–0 victory over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima.[39] At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Martinez came off the bench against Australia in the round of 16, making an important block on a shot by Aziz Behich.[40] Martinez was part of the starting XI against Netherlands in the quarter-finals and came off the bench against Croatia in the semis.[41] In the final against title-holders France, he was an unused substitute as Argentina won 4–2 on penalties to win their third World Cup title.[42]

On 15 June 2024, he was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2024 Copa América.[43] He scored his first international goal, putting his team ahead in a 1–1 draw against Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the tournament, which ended with a victory in the penalty shootout.[44][45]

Style of play

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Martínez is nicknamed "the Butcher" due to his aggressive style of play.[46] He is primarily a centre-back, though he is capable of playing at left-back and as a central midfielder, having played there at times for Defensa y Justicia and Ajax.[47][48] He is a ball-playing centre-back and is known for his range of passing and composure on the ball.[49][50] In the 2021–22 Eredivisie season, he averaged more passes per 90 minutes than any other player.[51] Before signing him, Ajax's scouts characterised Martínez as a left-footed ball-playing defender who is "tough as nails" and possesses winning mentality.[15] At Manchester United, his performances earned him comparisons to legendary former United defender Nemanja Vidić, with Vidic himself praising Martínez for his aggressive defending and leadership.[52][53] Despite his relatively short stature for a defender, standing at 5'9", he is also effective in aerial duels.[54]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 10 November 2024[7]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Newell's Old Boys 2016–17 Argentine Primera División 1 0 0 0 — — — 1 0
2017–18 Argentine Primera División 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 — 0 0
Total 1 0 0 0 — 0 0 — 1 0
Defensa y Justicia (loan) 2017–18 Argentine Primera División 21 1 1 0 — 2[c] 0 — 24 1
Defensa y Justicia 2018–19 Argentine Primera División 25 2 0 0 2 0 7[c] 0 — 34 2
Total 46 3 1 0 2 0 9 0 — 58 3
Ajax 2019–20 Eredivisie 24 2 4 0 — 12[d] 0 1[e] 0 41 2
2020–21 Eredivisie 26 3 5 0 — 11[f] 0 0 0 42 3
2021–22 Eredivisie 24 1 4 0 — 8[g] 0 1[e] 0 37 1
Total 74 6 13 0 — 31 0 2 0 120 6
Manchester United 2022–23 Premier League 27 1 3 0 5 0 10[h] 0 — 45 1
2023–24 Premier League 11 0 2 0 0 0 1[g] 0 — 14 0
2024–25 Premier League 10 0 0 0 1 0 4[h] 0 1[i] 0 16 0
Total 48 1 5 0 6 0 15 0 1 0 75 1
Career total 169 10 19 0 8 0 55 0 3 0 254 10
  1. ^ Includes Copa Argentina, KNVB Cup, FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Copa de la Superliga, EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b Appearances in Copa Sudamericana
  4. ^ Ten appearances in UEFA Champions League, two in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ a b Appearance in Johan Cruyff Shield
  6. ^ Five appearances in UEFA Champions League, six in UEFA Europa League
  7. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  8. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  9. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield

International

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As of match played 15 October 2024[55]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Argentina 2019 1 0
2021 3 0
2022 11 0
2023 1 0
2024 10 1
Total 26 1

Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Martínez goal.

List of international goals scored by Lisandro Martínez
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 4 July 2024 NRG Stadium, Houston, United States 21   Ecuador 1–0 1–1 (4–2 p) 2024 Copa América

Honours

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Ajax[56]

Manchester United

Argentina

Individual

References

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  1. ^ "UEFA Champions League 2021/2022: Booking List before Round of 16 Second Leg" (PDF). UEFA. p. 3. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Lisandro Martínez: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Lisandro Martinez is the PL's best defender right now and his highlights prove it". SPORTbible. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  4. ^ "Lisandro Martínez: Los más chicos aprendemos de los referentes". Newell's Old Boys. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  5. ^ a b "Reconocieron a Lisandro Martínez por su desempeño en el fútbol nacional". El Dia de Gualeguay. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Newell's se despide del torneo y de varios referentes". redaccionrosario.com. 27 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Lisandro Martínez". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Lisandro Martínez, de Newell´s a Defensa". TyC Sports. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  9. ^ "Lisandro Martínez profile". BDFA. 14 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  10. ^ "Defensa y Justicia aplastó a un Temperley que se hunde". Clarín. 5 November 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  11. ^ "Newell's vende la mitad del pase de Lisandro Martínez a Defensa y Justicia". conclusion.com.ar. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  12. ^ "Lisandro Martínez será transferido al Ajax de Holanda". Defensa y Justicia. 17 May 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
  13. ^ Faisal, Hammad (29 June 2022). "Lisandro Martinez Analysis Can He Play in the Premier League?". CrossBar. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
  14. ^ a b "Ajax verzekert zich van komst Argentijn Lisandro Martínez". AFC Ajax. 20 May 2019. Archived from the original on 21 May 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  15. ^ a b "The first time we saw Martínez". english.ajax.nl. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  16. ^ "NB: 'Waarom zou je Tadic niet als eerste spits zien?'". Ajax Showtime. 10 August 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  17. ^ "Ajax venció a Groningen y sigue como líder de la Eredivisie". TyC Sports. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  18. ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Man Utd agree to sign Argentina centre-back from Ajax in £57m deal". BBC Sport. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Martinez signs for United". Manchester United F.C. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  20. ^ Partington, Mikey (28 July 2022). "Revealed: Martinez's squad number". manutd.com. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  21. ^ Stone, Simon (7 August 2022). "Manchester United 1–2 Brighton: Erik ten Hag suffers defeat in first Premier League game". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  22. ^ Hill, Courtney (1 September 2022). "Lisandro Martinez wins Man Utd Player of the Month award for August 2022". manutd.com. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  23. ^ Morgan, Richard (23 January 2023). "Martinez scores first goal for Manchester United in a 3–2 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates". Sky Sports.
  24. ^ a b McNulty, Phil (26 February 2023). "Manchester United 2–0 Newcastle United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  25. ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Manchester United defender to miss rest of season with fractured foot | Raphael Varane out 'for a few weeks'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  26. ^ "Man Utd injury update on Lisandro Martinez". manutd.com. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  27. ^ "Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 2". Soccerway. 14 January 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  28. ^ Lee, Sam (5 February 2024). "Lisandro Martinez's knee injury a 'personal disaster' – Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag". The Athletic. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Martinez injury confirmed". manutd.com. Manchester United. 6 February 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  30. ^ Yew, Oliver (26 May 2024). "Man City 1-2 Man Utd: Erik ten Hag's side end season on high with stunning FA Cup final win at Wembley". Sky Sports. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Se terminó el año para los juveniles". Argentine Football Association. 29 December 2017. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  32. ^ "Argentina Sub 20 regresa a los trabajos en Ezeiza con miras al mundial de la categoría" (in Spanish). CONMEBOL. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  33. ^ "Lisandro Martínez". besoccer.com. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  34. ^ "La Selección Sub 23 jugará ante Bolivia desde las 19, en el estadio de Banfield" (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 4 September 2019.
  35. ^ "Argentina U-23 5–0 Bolivia U-23". Besoccer. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  36. ^ "Hay que trabajar para el futuro de la Selección" (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 7 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019.
  37. ^ "El elogio de Lisandro Martínez a Lionel Messi: "Es un líder nato"". TyC Sports (in Spanish). 27 March 2021.
  38. ^ a b "Argentina 1–0 Brazil". BBC Sport. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  39. ^ a b "Italy 0–3 Argentina: Messi and Di Maria shine in impressive Finalissima win". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  40. ^ "Martinez plays his part as Argentina progress". Manchester United. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  41. ^ "2022 FIFA World Cup". Sky Sports. 1 March 2023.
  42. ^ a b McNulty, Phil (18 December 2022). "World Cup final: Argentina beat France on penalties in dramatic Qatar showpiece". BBC Sport.
  43. ^ "Nómina de futbolistas convocados por Lionel Scaloni para disputar la Copa América 2024 en Estados Unidos" [List of footballers called by Lionel Scaloni to compete in the 2024 Copa América in the United States] (in Spanish). Argentine Football Association. 15 June 2024.
  44. ^ "Lisandro Martinez Finds Perfect Time To Score First International Goal At CONMEBOL Copa América™". Copa América. 5 July 2024.
  45. ^ "Video: Lisandro Martinez scores his first goal for Argentina in Copa America quarter-final". Yahoo Sports. 5 July 2024.
  46. ^ "'If I have to step over dead bodies, I'll do it': Lisandro Martinez explains why he's nicknamed 'The Butcher'". 18 July 2022.
  47. ^ "Lisandro Martínez, de la infancia humilde en Gualeguay al lujo del Ajax goleador: "Estaría bueno que los futbolistas ayudemos más a los que lo necesitan"". Clarín. 26 October 2020. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
  48. ^ "Ten exciting Champions League debutants to watch this week". The Guardian. London. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 September 2019.
  49. ^ "Transfer window: 10 bargain signings of the summer so far". The Guardian. London. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  50. ^ "Ronaldo's bombshell shows how far Man Utd have fallen. It might be just what they need". foxsports.com.au. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  51. ^ "Lisandro Martinez: Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target has shone for Ajax and offers brains, brawn and versatility". Sky Sports. 13 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  52. ^ Murphy, Daniel (8 January 2023). "How Lisandro Martinez can solidify comparison to Manchester United legend". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  53. ^ Victor, Tom (10 February 2023). "Man Utd legend Vidic gives verdict on Martinez after Ferdinand claim". The Mirror. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  54. ^ Bate, Adam (22 August 2022). "Lisandro Martinez at Manchester United: Is 5'9" height a problem for Argentina defender in the Premier League?". Sky Sports. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  55. ^ "Lisandro Martínez Internationals". WorldFootball.net. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  56. ^ "Muchas gracias, Lisandro Martínez!". AFC Ajax. 27 July 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  57. ^ "Manchester City 1–2 Manchester United: Line-ups". BBC Sport. 25 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  58. ^ "Argentina defeats Colombia to Become The Champion of CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™". Copa América. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  59. ^ "Martínez verkozen tot Speler van het Jaar" (in Dutch). AFC Ajax.
  60. ^ "Justin Bijlow proclaimed as Eredivisie Player of the Month". 30 April 2021.
  61. ^ "Ajax provides most players for team of the month February". eredivisie.eu. 4 March 2022.
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