59 touches, 100% passes completed: £38m United star getting back to his best for new season
Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez delivered a fantastic performance for Argentina during their Copa America quarter-final win over Ecuador last night.
The World champions went into the game as favourites, but they had to work hard for the victory. Martinez broke the deadlock with his maiden international goal in the 35th minute.
It appeared on course to send Argentina to the last four of the tournament, but Ecuador equalised through Kevin Rodriguez in stoppage time to send the game to a penalty shoot-out.
Lionel Messi surprisingly missed his spot kick, but Emiliano Martinez ensured that Argentina came on top with two penalty saves. The South American giants will now face Venezuela or Canada in the semi-final.
The goalkeeper made the headlines in the shoot-out, but United’s Martinez had the perfect game at the heart of Argentina’s defence before he was substituted in the 78th minute.
The 26-year-old completed 100 percent of his passes (45/45) with four successful long balls. He had 59 touches in the quarter-final, losing possession on just three occasions.
The £38 million-rated star had a difficult 2023/24 campaign with the Red Devils. He made just 14 appearances in all competitions on the back of three separate injuries.
United fans would have been wary of his participation in the Copa America, but the centre-back has been brilliant in his three appearances for his national team without any issues.
Argentina are favourites to go all the way to the Copa America final on July 15. In that case, Martinez could miss United’s pre-season tour of the United States for a short rest.
He could be available in time for the Community Shield game against Manchester City on August 10. The Red Devils start their league campaign against Fulham at home on August 16.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com