The Centre-Back’s Symphony - Lisandro Martinez

Prologue
A Butcher’s Symphony

Antonin Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9, or the “New World Symphony,” as it’s usually called, is a classical masterpiece that kicks off with an explosive allegro con fuoco movement. The term “allegro con fuoco” literally translates to “quick and with fire,” and that’s exactly what this movement is: a fiery, energetic burst of sound.

The movement begins with a thunderous brass section introducing the central theme of the piece, which is then picked up by the strings with a series of fast, virtuosic runs. The woodwinds also contribute to the lively atmosphere, adding their own intricate melodies to the mix.

As the movement progresses, the music becomes increasingly complex and dynamic, with each section of the orchestra interacting and playing off each other. The tempo remains fast and energetic, with occasional bursts of percussion adding to the sense of urgency.

So, why am I giving you a weird lesson in classical music? Well, because listening to Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9 is the aural equivalent of watching Lisandro Martinez play football. It’s like a kick in the gut, a punch in the face, a relentless onslaught of pure, unadulterated passion.

Martinez is known for his unyielding attitude on the pitch, constantly pushing himself to the limit and never backing down from a challenge—or much of anything else, really. And that’s precisely what this symphony represents: the fire in Martinez’s belly, the determination in his eyes, and the never-ending pursuit of victory that more than makes up for his supposed lack of height.

Chapter One
“I wanted him”

Martinez started his professional journey at Newell’s Old Boys, but it wasn’t until he was loaned out to Defensa y Justicia that he really made a name for himself. His impressive performances caught the attention of Ajax, and in 2019, he signed with the Dutch club. It didn’t take long for Martinez to establish himself as a key player for Ajax, and in his first season with the team, he helped lead them to victory in the Eredivisie. By the time he left the club, Martinez had earned the title of player of the year.

He became Erik Ten Hag’s second signing for Manchester United, and it was a no-brainer, thanks to his standout performances for the Dutch Champions that had piqued the curiosity of some figures at Old Trafford. And who better to understand Martinez’s abilities than the manager who brought him over to Europe?

“I wanted him. Ball-playing, but also you see his defending capabilities — his toughness, his positioning, his anticipating. Togetherness. I know what he is able to do.” - Erik Ten Hag.

Martinez can do a lot of things on the pitch. He is known for his defensive prowess, tactical brilliance, and versatility as a center-back or left-back. But he’s more than just a modern version of a traditional center-half; he has brought his own unique style to the game, combining the best of the old with a fresh approach to how the game is played.

The role of the center-back in football has always been a very crucial one. These guys are the last line of defense, the ones responsible for protecting the goal and making sure the other team doesn’t score. It’s a job that requires a combination of physical strength, speed, and technical ability, as well as a high level of tactical awareness and an uncanny ability to read the game.

There was a time in the past when center-backs were seen as purely defensive players with no responsibility for starting attacks. But as the game has evolved and teams have become more attacking-minded, it’s become vital for them to be able to play out from the back and start moves. Doing this requires them to be comfortable on the ball, be able to make accurate passes, and read the play to find space and create opportunities for their teammates.

Martinez has proven to be an invaluable asset for United, and it’s not hard to see why. One of the main reasons the team brought him on board was for his ability to seamlessly move the ball out from the back. And let’s just say he’s delivered on that front in spades.

But if we’re being honest, that’s only part of the story. Martinez has truly shone in this role, surpassing all expectations and solidifying himself as a key player for the team. His quick thinking and precise passes have been a game-changer, allowing United to launch fluid attacking moves and catch the opposition off guard.

He seems to be thriving and has become an integral part of United’s tactical setup. It’s no wonder he’s become a fan favourite in such a short time.

But When the media first began reporting on the potential acquisition of the Argentine defender by Manchester United, it’s safe to say that many fans were a bit confused. For one thing, Martinez’s versatility on the pitch was both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, he had the ability to play as a defensive midfielder, a center-back, or even a left-back, which meant that he could potentially fill several different holes in the squad. On the other hand, it wasn’t entirely clear which position he was being brought in to play, and this left some fans wondering just what they were getting with the center-back.

To make matters even more confusing, the departure of Nemanja Matic had left a huge gap in the midfield that needed to be filled. Many fans were hoping that Martinez would be the player to step up and take on that role, but without any concrete information about his intended position on the pitch, it was difficult to know for sure. This changed right after the club signed Casemiro from Real Madrid, and we began to understand that Ten Hag had no intention of using the 24-year-old defender as a midfielder.

Ever since he burst onto the scene and earned a spot in the starting lineup for United, he’s been a force to be reckoned with at the center-back position. His tenacity, skill, and determination have made him a mainstay in the lineup, and it’s clear that he has no intention of relinquishing his spot anytime soon.

Chapter Two
The Ballad of Jamie Carragher

“He’s too short for the Premier League; every single team that plays United should target him. I’m convinced he can’t work,” - Jamie Carragher.

One of the reasons that traditional center-backs have been so successful in this role is their physical attributes. They’re often tall, powerful players who can win aerial duels and outmuscle opponents. This makes them perfect for dealing with crosses and set pieces, which can be major sources of goals in modern football.

When Martinez first made his way into the league, there were many sceptics who believed his small stature would be a significant hindrance to his success. Jamie Carragher was among those who thought his height would be a major issue for the Argentine international. But as it turns out, Martinez has proven them all wrong. Despite being shorter than the average centre-back, he has managed to hold his own and make a name for himself in the league. His quick reflexes and agile movements have allowed him to overcome any physical limitations he may have, making him a formidable force on the pitch.

We know that football is a game that requires a lot of different traits: physical, technical, and tactical. And while some people might think that being tall is essential for a center-back, that’s not necessarily true. In fact, some of the best center-backs in history, like Fabio Cannavaro and Paolo Maldini, were actually pretty short compared to their peers.

So why isn’t being tall that important for a center-back? Well, for one thing, the game has gotten a lot more physical in recent years. That means strength, athleticism, and positioning are all more important than just being tall and able to win headers. A center-back who is strong, quick, and able to read the game at a high level can be just as effective as a taller player, especially if they use their body effectively to win challenges and block shots, something Martinez is profoundly good at.

We’ve also seen teams use tactical tweaks to compensate for a lack of height for different players across the pitch. At United, Ten Hag sometimes uses a high defensive line to squeeze the space in front of the defence, making sure Lisandro isn’t always outnumbered when the opposition targets him with long balls. In this case, a shorter centre-back might be able to compensate for their lack of height by using their positioning and anticipation to intercept passes or make crucial tackles, as the major responsibility of winning aerial duels may fall to someone else.

Just because Lisandro may not be the tallest player on the pitch doesn’t mean he can’t hold his own in the air, though. In fact, up until October, he had a whopping 83% success rate in aerial duels, putting him among the elite in the game when it comes to winning battles in the air.

“I can’t tell you a centre back in English football, in my time of the game, that has been successful being that size” - Graeme Souness.

It’s also worth noting that height isn’t the only factor that determines a player’s ability to win aerial challenges. Jumping ability, timing, and technique all play a role too. So even if a centre-back isn’t particularly tall, they can still be effective if they have these other skills, and of course, Lisandro is proof of this.

So, Mr Carragher may think being tall is the be-all and end-all for a centre-back in football, but fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on where you stand on this issue), there are plenty of other factors that are just as, if not more, important. Players of all heights can excel in this position if they have the right combination of physical, technical, and tactical skills.

Sure, other teams have tried to take advantage of his supposed “weakness” by targeting him in the air. But they’ve all failed because he more than compensates for any lack of height with his heart, intelligence, and drive.

Chapter Three
“But Martinez had other ideas”

The moment of truth in Dvorák’s “Allegro con Fuoco” is the climax - when the music reaches a peak of intensity and all the themes and motifs come together in a grand, sweeping statement. This moment is significant because of its emotional impact, its sense of unity and coherence, and its showcase of the performers’ virtuosity.

Sure, football has its moments of dramatic climaxes, too - those last-second goals or miraculous saves that get replayed on highlight reels for years. But I think sometimes, we forget about the unsung heroes of the game: the defenders. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a flashy, attacking play, but it’s the tireless work of the defenders that often keeps the other team at bay. The tackle that prevents a scoring opportunity, the interception that snuffs out a promising attack - these may not be the most glamorous plays, but they are just as crucial to the outcome of a match.

Take the Liverpool game, for Example. It had plenty of climaxes, and Lisandro was right in the middle of most of them.

There was a moment in the first half, during the 40th-minute mark, where Liverpool had a chance to score. The crowd held their breath as Salah set himself up for the shot, a mixture of anticipation and fear etched on their faces. Salah was known for his clinical finishing, and a goal at that moment would have been a crushing blow for Manchester United.

But Martinez had other ideas. The defender, who had been having a solid game up until this point, launched himself forward with all the speed and determination he could muster. He knew he had to do everything in his power to stop Salah, even if it meant putting his body on the line, which he did.

As Salah took his shot, Martinez managed to get a crucial touch on the ball, deflecting it over the goal and out for a corner kick. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, relieved that their team had dodged a bullet.

United’s players rushed to Martinez, patting him on the back and thanking him for his heroics. The defender shrugged it off and got ready to defend the corner kick. But inside, he knew that he had just made one of the most important blocks of the season.

As the teams headed off the pitch for halftime, United fans were singing Martinez’s name, grateful for the way he had kept their team in the game. It was a moment that would live long in the memory of everyone who had witnessed it. It was also at this moment that the Dvorák symphony playing in my head reached its own climax, and it was like an explosive finale to a firework show. Fast, intense, and full of energy, ready to believe that United could actually win the game.

As the music builds to its final, triumphant conclusion, you can expect a sense of tension and excitement to wash over you. The bold melodies and harmonies are like a punch in the gut, and they’ll leave you feeling exhilarated and ready to take on the world or Mohamed Salah; it works either way.

Epilogue
Snapshots Of The Sonic Kind

We’ve already established how centre-backs need to be quick and agile in order to track the runs of opposing forwards and make important tackles. But they also need to have a high level of tactical awareness and the ability to read the game. They need to anticipate the movements of the opposition and position themselves accordingly. This requires intelligence and the ability to make split-second decisions under pressure. It also involves working closely with their teammates and communicating effectively in order to defend as a unit.

These are just some of the ton of impressive qualities Lisandro brought to Manchester United, making him not just one of the best signings of the season but possibly the most important one as well. His impact on the team has been undeniable, and it’s clear that he’s a crucial part of the squad’s bouts of success.

Obviously, there are plenty of players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success, and some might argue that Christian Eriksen, as well as Casemiro, have been catalysts for the team’s ability to keep the ball in the midfield. And while both players have certainly played a key role, I’m going with Martinez here. He just fits Ten Hag’s system so perfectly that it has worked to complement his own abilities.

It’s not just his technical skills that make Martinez stand out. His leadership has also been invaluable to the team. He’s always the first to lift his teammates’ spirits, and his determination to win is contagious, which has a major influence on the backline.

I have to admit; when I heard that United were bringing in this new centre back, I wasn’t exactly holding my breath. I figured they’d be getting a decent player, someone who could hold their own on the pitch and maybe even contribute a bit offensively. But I certainly didn’t expect the kind of impact he’s had on the team.

From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, it was clear that this guy was a different breed. His intensity was off the charts, and it seemed to rub off on the rest of the defence. Suddenly, the back line was a lot more organised, a lot more cohesive. And while he didn’t single-handedly solve all of the team’s problems, he’s definitely made a big difference in shoring up a lot of the issues they’ve had.

The fast tempo and driving rhythms of Dvorák’s piece reflect Martinez’s fierce determination and unrelenting drive to succeed. The bold melodies capture the intensity of his style of play and the passion he brings to the game. The symphony is like a sonic snapshot of Martinez at his best, a tribute to a player who is always giving his all when he puts on a red shirt.

A “Thank You” Note

I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to you guys for taking the time to peruse my words. Your support means the world to me, and I’m glad that my content has been able to provide some form of value or enjoyment for you. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, and I look forward to continuing to share interesting and thought-provoking ideas with you in the future.

See you next year!