Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has described new teammate Lisandro Martinez as ‘unbelievable’ following his summer arrival from Ajax, praising the £57m Argentine for both his technical qualities and the passion he has brought to the squad.
Martinez made his name under United boss Erik ten Hag during their three years together in Amsterdam and, despite a difficult start to life in the Premier League, quickly established himself among the fans at his new club.
The 24-year-old’s height, or lack thereof for a centre-back, has been a major talking point before a ball has even been kicked, and his subsequent performances against Brighton and Brentford have boosted that. But the following months saw a huge improvement.
“You see everyone loves him. The fans love him,” Shaw told The Athletic.
Martinez rose above both Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire in the United pecking order even before the club captain was injured and has become the preferred centre-back for new-look Raphael Varane.
Shaw indicated that the balance Martinez brings to the defense is really important.
“His left foot is unbelievable. I think it always helps when you’re playing left-footed on the side because he naturally likes to get on that side and I think he’s fitted in really well,” he said.
“Obviously he can still improve, but for me he’s been incredible so far this season. He must continue to do so. His aggression, his passion, we need him in that back line. He brings it every game. I’m really happy to have him on the team.”
