Lisandro Martinez is focused on getting back to his best physical condition. He’s preparing to jump into an intensive individualized development training regimen this summer. The Australian international defender suffered an undisclosed but serious ACL injury state-side during a February match against Crystal Palace. He is intent on rejoining his teammates for pre-season, but only when he is completely recovered and fit. His commitment to the rehabilitation process speaks volumes about how crucial he is to the team. In that role, he’s amongst the top leaders at Carrington.
Martinez’s rehabilitation plan is for Martinez to work one-on-one on the training pitch while the rest of the squad returns to training. He specifically chose to pursue an independent track. This decision further underscores his commitment to regaining fitness and reestablishing himself as an indispensable cog within Ruben Amorim’s tactical configuration. Martinez isn’t the fastest, but he boasts incredible game-reading ability. That unique skill is perhaps his greatest asset when it comes to preventing opposition attack ads.
Individual Training Focus
While the rest of the squad get ready for pre-season, Martinez will look to spend this time making sure he’s improving his physical condition and recovery too. He knows getting back to his All-Star form is a key not just for him to get back on track, but for the franchise as a whole. Martinez has expressed that he will not return to group activities until he is completely satisfied with his recovery progress.
His dedication to this hyper-personalized method is a testament to his character and sense of accountability to his fellow players as well as to his coaches. Those at Carrington see him as an important foundation of an increasingly stingy defense as Amorim’s leadership. It’s a major reason why the manager is referenced Martinez’s game intelligence and anticipated leaning on him heavily in the left centre-back next season.
Martinez’s ability to complete a higher volume of passes than any of his teammates per 90 minutes in the 20 Premier League games he played last season demonstrates his contribution to ball retention within Amorim’s system. This focus on holding possession supports the larger strategic goals of the club, looking ahead to 2024 and beyond.
Key Defensive Role
One of the hallmarks of Ruben Amorim’s defensive structure is that players need to be able to make interceptions to through balls. Martinez shines in this most underrated aspect of the game. He is only behind his defensive partner Harry Maguire on interceptions per 90 min in the league. In fact, this ability has turned him into the key figure of the defensive unit, often reading and breaking up opposition play before it begins.
Martinez is a great defensive player. Further showcasing his active engagement on both sides of the ball, he ranks among his teammates in taking the most touches per 90 minutes, trailing only Bruno Fernandes. He has a great touch, he reads the game exceptionally well. This skill allows him to balance and make important interventions and help construct attacks from the back.
Amorim considers Martinez to be the linchpin of his backline. He is fully cognizant that Martinez’s top qualities align with the tactical requirements his team needs as well. The manager’s confidence in Martinez further solidifies his importance within the squad and sets high expectations for his recovery and performance next season.
Looking Ahead
As Martinez prepares to get back to his unique individual training plan he has his eyes clearly set on the ultimate goals. His injury may have been a physical limitation, but it’s never curtailed his ambition or leadership qualities. His colleagues and fans all over the world can’t wait to see him back on the pitch, shooting to make a positive impact on the team success.
The coming season will be crucial for both Martinez and Amorim’s tactical designs. Sky Sports’ live coverage of Premier League matches will increase from 128 to at least 215 from the 2025/26 season. That means there will be more fans tuned in to see players such as Martinez when they first walk out onto the field.
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