A Case for Lisandro Martinez at Left-Back

I spent more time than I'd like to admit detailing reasons why I think Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez could and should be considered at left-back. Because the argument hints at some of my fundamental interpretations of the sport, I've deemed it necessary to archive.

While some premises may be more subjective than others, I hold each one with deep conviction and careful consideration.

If necessary, I am willing to write and link separate essays for each of the boldened points.

RCB - Right Centre-Back; LCB - Left Centre-Back.

• Fullback is a utility position: a good fullback in one setup performs very different core functions from another.
  • Lisandro Martinez is a good footballer and possibly the most secure in that deep, left zone.
  • Good footballers deliver across board. A ~10-metre difference in set position is inconsequential to his ball playing capacity.
• All fullbacks get dribbled past; it’s a feature, not a bug.
  • Most fullbacks get dribbled past more times than they intervene (except specialists like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Kyle Walker, and a few others).
  • Martinez, although aggressive, has better defensive fundamentals than both Shaw and Malacia.
  • Because neither Luke Shaw nor Tyrell Malacia is a specialist defender, any pure-defending margin gained or lost with Martinez is insignificant.
• Centre-back is not a utility position.
  • While stylistic difference appear between teams, box-defending, cover-defending, ability to make 1st contact, set-pieces, and clearances are all fundamentals for the centre-back position.
  • Martinez, while a capable LCB (remember, good footballers deliver across board), has deficiencies in a couple of these, which can easily be sealed with a different option.
  • There are seemingly good LCBs in the Market. It’s a good time to grab one. What better way to bed them in than being flanked by Martinez and an RCB on the other side.
• Manchester United are a side in need of margins. Fullback is where the best teams steal margins.
  • At left-back, United would have one of the best deep playmakers in the world in a liberated role.
  • Meanwhile, at center-back, United have a workable player with restrained playmaking potential.
• Shaw, Malacia, and Martinez were injured across almost the entire season. It is unrealistic to expect each one to return with full vim.
  • Tabbing Martinez as a left-back option and signing an LCB helps insure that.
• Whatever running and movement help you suppose United’s left-winger needs, it is possible to get that from midfield.
  • Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are more than capable of providing cover runs and incisive passing from the left-hand side.

Archive from June 12, 2024

What Next?

If you enjoyed this, consider subscribing to BallerzBantz, following us on Twitter, and sharing this with someone.

Join us to stay ahead and contribute to this burgeoning community.