How Lisandro Martinez has proved Jamie Carragher wrong?

The Argentine defender joined his former head coach at Old Trafford this summer

Lisandro Martinez joined Manchester United from Ajax this summer. In a deal worth up to £56 million to reunite with Erik ten Hag. The defender was a key player for the Dutch manager in the Eredivisie and won the Player of the Season award last term. A top ball-playing defender, but with a move to Manchester United comes instant scrutiny and that's exactly what happened.

Standing at 5'9, Martinez is very short for a central defender. However, that did not automatically mean he will struggle in England's top division. Perhaps it would've been the case some years ago when the league was filled with target men and long balls. But things have changed. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher made a staggering statement saying the Argentine will not be able to play in United's current set-up going forward.

"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," the former Liverpool defender 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 is a problem for him. No matter what anyone says, being 5ft 9in is a problem." Carragher ruled out Martinez having any type of success in the center-back position in the Premier League.

A wall in the back

Despite all the criticism, the United defender has shown that he can play in the English top flight. He has been the leader at the back for Manchester United. He has mantianed 86% passing accuracy in each game, 92% passing accuracy in their own half and 76% passing accuracy in the opponent's half. Also, he has won a total of 61% of duels, 65% of ground duels and 52% of Ariel Duels. After Martinez was named United’s player of the month for August and rapidly growing into a fan-favourite at Old Trafford.

Importantly, winning battles in the air is not just about being tall or big, there are many different aspects, such as a player's leap and timing, which come into play. It won’t matter to Martinez – he’ll keep performing as he has most likely come face-to-face with doubters before. Martinez will be looking to continue his impressive form for United in upcoming matches as well.