Who is Lisandro Martinez? The Argentine pass master on Arsenal and Man Utd's radar

Back in the summer of 2019, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt was hot property on the continent. The Dutchman had been crucial for an Ajax side that conceded just 32 times on their way to Eredivisie glory and interest in his services was understandably sky high. In the end, Juventus won the race to land De Ligt, with Ajax using the money raised from the defender's sale to secure the services of Lisandro Martinez. 

The Dutch powerhouse brought in around £70m through De Ligt's sale, and signed Martinez from Argentine outfit Defensa y Justicia for close to £7m in what was sound business for Ajax. Three years later and they look set to turn a healthy profit on the latter this summer. Ajax teammate Jurrien Timber had been the one tipped with a move away from the Eredivisie champions in the off-season, yet Martinez has since emerged as a number one centre-back target, notably for Premier League pair Arsenal and Manchester United. 

Former Ajax and now United boss Erik ten Hag helped establish Martinez as one of the most sought after centre-backs on the continent, which perhaps stands United in better stead should they persue the Argentine. With the need of top teams to bring in a ball playing centre-back, the Argentine certainly fits the bill. 

A return of 92.4 passes per 90 was more than any other player in the Eredivisie last season, while an 88.9% pass success rate was the sixth best in the division. In terms of distribution, he is able to play it short to aid in a patient build up, or opt for a more direct approach depending on how his side is faring. Indeed, of outfielders to make 20 or more appearances, a return of 6.1 accurate long balls per 90 was the fifth best in the division. 

This is a hugely important trait for any centre-back in the modern game, with Martinez playing a crucial role in Ajax's dominance in the Dutch top tier last term. An additional weapon in his arsenal is an ability to create chances from defence. Martinez isn't one to shirk stepping into midfield to help dominate sides and maximise his vision for the good of the team. A return of five accurate through balls was the sixth best in the Eredivisie last season, those coming from 10 attempted through balls, ranking fifth. 

A 50% success rate may not make for good reading, yet Martinez's eye for a defence splitting pass affords an additional attacking threat, which can be utilised to great effect, as noted by his three assists in the Eredivisie last season. A willingness to break the defensive ranks is not only a strong trait for Martinez on the ball, but off it too. 

That he is able to step out at the back means he is more than capable of cutting the passing channels to ensure his side's goal is rarely threatened, with a return of 2.2 interceptions per 90 among the top 10 best in the Eredivisie last season. Considering his ability to pick out a teammate with ease, that he can comfortably read the danger and then get the ball upfield is a huge boost for the way Ajax played under Ten Hag, and would be for his new employers, be it Arsenal and United. 

An immediate concern, though, is Martinez's height. Standing at just a shade under 5'10", potential suitors may be worried that the Argentine would be bullied in the Premier League, yet the centre-back won a respectable 3.7 aerial duels per 90. Crucially is that he returned an aerial success rate of 70.5%, that the fifth best of the 153 players to contest 50 or more aerial duels in the Eredivisie, and impressively third of all centre-backs. 

Just as Fabio Cannavaro wasn't the most imposing centre-back, the Italian instead relied on the timing of his leap to get the better of forwards. Martinez is similar in that regard, so any issues surrounding his height can be put to rest. He could be on his way to the Premier League this summer and be it at United or Arsenal, they'd be landing a top quality centre-back, whose determined approach to defending coupled with his world class distribution means he'd be a statement centre-back addition to either side.