Profile: Who is Carlos Martinez, FC Goa's new Catalan threat?

Carlos Martinez will combine with his fellow teammates to create havoc for opposition defenders.

FC Goa made a significant addition to their squad by signing Spanish striker Carlos Martinez on the 7th of July. The 37-year-old left-footed forward, who previously played for Andorra, joins the Gaurs as their new foreign striker. Martinez becomes the seventh new addition to the team's ranks this summer, joining the likes of Rowllin Borges, Udanta Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Boris Singh, Raynier Fernandes, and Paulo Retre.

With his wealth of experience and proven goal-scoring ability, FC Goa hope that Martinez will provide the attacking prowess needed to strengthen their frontline and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Here's all you need to know about the forward.

Prior experience

Carlos Martinez is a seasoned footballer, who with a remarkable career spanning 18 years and 13 different clubs, including notable stints at Villarreal B and Hercules, arrives on the shores of Goa. With an impressive record of 123 goals and eight assists from 357 appearances, Martinez has proven his goal-scoring prowess throughout his journey.

Notably, during his time at Villarreal B, he boasted a goal-scoring ratio of almost a goal every two games, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net consistently. Now, as he joins FC Goa, Martinez brings with him a wealth of experience and footballing quality that the team will eagerly seek to harness. His arrival injects an added dimension to the Goa attack, and his contributions on the pitch are eagerly anticipated by the club and its supporters.

Type of player

Carlos Martinez possesses a range of qualities that make him a formidable presence on the football field. His exceptional positioning instincts ensure that he is always centrally located to the goal when the ball is wide, ready to pounce on any opportunities that arise.

With heightened alertness and quick reactions, he capitalizes on mistakes made by opposition defenders or goalkeepers, turning them into scoring chances. Martinez's agility and quick footwork inside the box enable him to create space for himself, often by deceiving opponents with feints or shifting the ball onto his other foot before taking a shot.

Additionally, his ambidexterity allows him to shoot with precision and power using both feet. Standing tall at 6.1 feet, he presents a valuable option for aerial threats and can be a potential target for crosses delivered from wide areas. These qualities make Martinez a versatile and potent striker for FC Goa.

What he brings to the team

Carlos Martinez's arrival at FC Goa adds a much-needed threat in front of goal, complementing the attacking prowess of the midfielders. The Spaniard holds the potential to form a lethal partnership with his fellow teammates, combining their goal-scoring instincts and understanding on the field. With the support of speedy wingers like Udanta Singh (or Boris Singh) and Noah Sadaoui, FC Goa will aim to capitalize on Martinez's aerial prowess, utilizing his height and positioning to convert crosses into goals.

Martinez's vast experience, accumulated from over 550 matches, will prove invaluable for FC Goa. Having played in Spanish clubs renowned for their emphasis on attractive possession-based football, he brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical awareness to the team. This aligns well with the philosophy that head coach Manolo Marquez seeks to implement at FC Goa, focusing on playing an entertaining and attacking style of football.

As Carlos Martinez settles into his role, FC Goa anticipate reaping the benefits of his goal-scoring instincts, his ability to connect with fellow teammates, and his experience in playing attractive football. With the team's attacking options bolstered, they will aim to make a significant impact in the upcoming season, guided by the vision of their talented Spanish striker and the tactical approach of their coach.