There's no escaping the fact that his lack of physical attributes has created an unnecessary handicap for us in that position.
Look at Bayern midweek as the perfect example. I've always thought Upemacano is a rash, clumsy defender, but his sheer pace and athleticism got him out of trouble time and time again, and he actually dealt with Rashford easily a couple of times.
Kim Min Jae was also totally physically dominant. There was a moment were the ball broke loose and one of our players, might have been Bruno, had a brief opportunity to seize the ball and run through at goal, but Kim was across like lightning to beat him to the ball and shut down a dangerous moment before it happened.
Likewise, Aphonso Davies...labelled a weak defender by ETH before the game...how easily did he deal with our wide forwards? Again, not because he's the best defender ever, because he's so physically dominant.
If Martinez had Davies or Upemacano's pace, he'd be twice the player of either of them - but he doesn't. It's a simple fact. He's tiny. He's weak, compared to big physical CFs. He's slow. These are all major problems. Personally I'd sooner have a poorer defender who's more physically imposing. Ideally, I'd have one (i.e. Kim) who was both a good defender AND physically imposing.
Again, love Martinez, he's technically very good and his attitude is great. There's definitely a role for him in this team/squad...but I still can't help but think that just being a good player isn't enough in modern day football unfortunately.
Look at Bayern midweek as the perfect example. I've always thought Upemacano is a rash, clumsy defender, but his sheer pace and athleticism got him out of trouble time and time again, and he actually dealt with Rashford easily a couple of times.
Kim Min Jae was also totally physically dominant. There was a moment were the ball broke loose and one of our players, might have been Bruno, had a brief opportunity to seize the ball and run through at goal, but Kim was across like lightning to beat him to the ball and shut down a dangerous moment before it happened.
Likewise, Aphonso Davies...labelled a weak defender by ETH before the game...how easily did he deal with our wide forwards? Again, not because he's the best defender ever, because he's so physically dominant.
If Martinez had Davies or Upemacano's pace, he'd be twice the player of either of them - but he doesn't. It's a simple fact. He's tiny. He's weak, compared to big physical CFs. He's slow. These are all major problems. Personally I'd sooner have a poorer defender who's more physically imposing. Ideally, I'd have one (i.e. Kim) who was both a good defender AND physically imposing.
Again, love Martinez, he's technically very good and his attitude is great. There's definitely a role for him in this team/squad...but I still can't help but think that just being a good player isn't enough in modern day football unfortunately.
