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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez as one of the best defenders in world football.
Guardiola praised the United star after the Red Devils won 2-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
First-half goals from Alejandro Garnach and Kobbie Mainoo were all United needed to secure silverware and sink the reigning Premier League champions.
One of the team’s best players during the game was Martinez, who was paired alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the Red Devils’ back line.
Martinez has struggled with multiple injuries this season that have prevented him from making a consistent run of appearances.
The World Cup winner was a big miss for the club and his absence was sorely felt.
Against City, he showed why he is rated so highly. During his time on the field, the Argentine made five clearances and one interception.
He completed 18 of the 20 passes he attempted and won the one aerial duel he had to perform.
Unsurprisingly, his technical ability was on full display and he was a huge asset to United in their efforts to advance the ball and build play from the back.
Another impressive aspect of Martinez’s game is how well he tackles the dangerous Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker barely had a sniff of the all-match bar when he hit the woodwork once.
After the final whistle, Guardiola spoke to the press and singled out Martinez as someone who made the difference for United.
The Spanish coach said: “Lisandro Martinez is the 5 best center backs in the world.”
“He made the difference in this game playing passes through our defense.”
🇦🇷 Pep Guardiola: “Lisandro Martinez is the 5 best centre-backs in the world”.
“He made the difference in this game playing passes through our defense.” pic.twitter.com/4QeRp9zgSE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2024
Martinez was forced off in the 73rd minute with what appeared to be another injury. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious and he’s back in action as soon as possible.
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