Profile: Pedro Martin’s role in Josep Gombau’s Odisha FC

The Spaniard signed a one-year contract with the Juggernauts.

Odisha FC continued their purchasing splurge this transfer window with the acquisition of Pedro Jose Martin. The Juggernauts are building a formidable attack for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League, signing players like Diego Mauricio, Victor Rodriguez, and Pedro Martin.

The signing of the 30-year-old Spaniard Pedro Martin was announced by Odisha on 8th July. Pedro has played a significant portion of his career in his native country Spain, competing in La Liga, La Liga 2, and the third division of the Spanish league. This transfer move to the Juggernauts would be his first time playing abroad.

The Spanish centre-forward will have a vital role in attack for the Juggernauts. Head coach Josep Gombau may employ Diego Mauricio and Pedro up front, which is set to be a treat for fans to watch.

Prior Experience

The Malaga-born forward started his playing career with hometown club Malaga CF. He joined Atletico Madrid at the age of 16. Spending two years in the youth academy, he made his debut with the C team in the fourth tier of the Spanish league.

Pedro made his first-team debut for the Rojiblancos as a substitute in a Copa Del Rey game in 2011. Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid's new coach at that time, frequently substituted Martin in the latter stages of the season.

His debut in La Liga came in 2012, in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis in an away game. Furthermore, he was also in the team when Atletico Madrid won the Europa League in 2012. Martin was loaned to Segunda Division side CD Numancia in 2013.

Over the years, he signed with and played for some teams in the Segunda Division like Numancia, CD Mirandes, CD Tenerife, and RC Celta de Vigo B. Later, he returned to CD Mirandes on loan in 2016. After being released, he kept playing for second and third-tier Spanish league clubs.

One of the most notable seasons in Pedro's career was the 2018-19 campaign. Pedro won the top scorer award with third-tier team Lleida Esportiu, netting 16 times in 34 appearances. Pedro signed with the Juggernauts for the upcoming season of ISL after ending his stint with Gimnastic de Tarragona.

Type of Player

Pedro Martin is a traditional number 9. The Spanish centre-forward is a poacher of goals. His playing style is aggressive and fast-paced. He receives the ball, turns quickly and attacks the opposition defence with speed. 

Short passing and one-twos near the penalty area to disarrange defenders and create space to shoot and score goals is his forte. No wonder he is called El Disidente, which loosely translates to the maverick due to his daring playing style. 

In 344 appearances in the top flights of the Spanish League so far, he has scored 71 goals, which shows the attacking prowess he brings to Odisha FC. Martin’s towering frame of 1.89 meters (6’2”) also helps him in receiving long crosses from the back and scoring during setplays. He also packs a mean jump, holding him in good stead against towering defenders.

The 30-year-old’s addition makes the Juggernaut’s squad more attacking and clinical.

What does he bring to the team?

The manager now has a brilliant and all-round attack at his disposal, thanks to the acquisition of Pedro. Josep can use either Mauricio or Pedro as a forward. He can also use both forwards in his formation. In any case, it will be a treat for the fans.

"Martin is someone who enjoys scoring a lot of goals. We have been monitoring him for the last 2 seasons and he is a striker who brings a different set of skills to the table compared to how Diego is in the attack. Now we have two different type of strikers and I am really happy about it. Depending on the opposition, we will have the liberty to choose between both of them." Josep Gombau said to OFC media.

“I am super happy to join Odisha FC. I really want to get to India and let the season start, I can’t wait to meet all my teammates. But what I want most is to feel the fans cheering for us in the Kalinga Stadium.” commented Pedro in a video put out by Odisha’s official Twitter account.

His experience of playing in the Spanish league will play an instrumental role in the development of the youngsters in the Odisha camp. The Spaniard’s attacking ability will be crucial in improving the standing of the Juggernauts in ISL.

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