In the aftermath of the FA Cup final on May 25th, it wasn’t Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo who garnered Pep Guardiola’s effusive praise; instead, it was Lisandro Martinez who found himself in the spotlight. Guardiola didn’t hold back in his admiration, declaring Martinez to be among the top 5 central defenders globally. Such high praise from one of the most esteemed coaches in football is a testament to Martinez’s exceptional performance during the match, despite Manchester City’s 1-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Yet, Martinez’s journey to this accolade isn’t without scrutiny. While his resume boasts impressive titles like the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Copa America 2021 with Argentina, as well as domestic successes with clubs, including victories in the Dutch Eredivisie, League Cup, and FA Cup, the question remains: Is he truly among the world’s elite central defenders?
One must define what constitutes a top central defender on the global stage: a player of immense skill, decorated with prestigious titles at both club and international levels, capable of excelling in the world’s top leagues. Martinez’s achievements certainly place him among the elite, but does that automatically translate to being one of the best?
The assessment is nuanced. While Martinez played a pivotal role in Argentina’s triumphs, his contribution in the World Cup, particularly in Qatar, was overshadowed by the brilliance of Lionel Messi and the attacking prowess of the team. Similarly, his presence at Manchester United hasn’t unequivocally transformed the team’s defensive capabilities, despite moments of brilliance.
However, Martinez’s impact transcends statistics. His ability to instill composure in Manchester United’s possession play, as noted by David Moyes, and his knack for launching incisive attacks with precise passing behind opposition defenses, as highlighted by Guardiola, are invaluable assets.
The FA Cup final at Wembley was a stage where Martinez showcased his best attributes. Adept at retaining possession with a remarkable 90% pass accuracy, he demonstrated defensive prowess with 5 interceptions and a crucial block. His physicality and determination in duels, notably against Erling Haaland, further underscored his importance.
Martinez’s journey at Manchester United hasn’t been without hurdles, marked by significant injuries that sidelined him for crucial periods. Yet, his timely return for the FA Cup final exemplified his resilience and importance to the team’s success.
In essence, Martinez’s status among the top 5 central defenders globally is subjective, but his impact on the pitch and the recognition from esteemed figures like Guardiola and Moyes underscore his unique qualities and contributions to Manchester United’s success.