Why Lucas Martinez to Manchester City would bolster their defensive unit
As per Calciomercato (h/t MEN), Manchester City have joined the race to sign River Plate defender Lucas Martinez when the transfer window opens.
Martinez, 23, is a product of Atletico Kimberley’s youth academy. He joined River Plate’s U20 side in the summer of 2012 and made his breakthrough in the 2016 season. Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and is one of the best upcoming talents in football.
He was a part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores in the 2017/18 season and also went on to lift the Recopa Sudamericana and the Argentine Cup last term. His impressive performances also earned him a call-up to Argentina’s squad as he made his debut in a friendly against Chile last September.
The youngster is considered to be one of the best talents in the country. His eye-catching displays have attracted a lot of interest across Europe. Clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keeping an eye on Martinez, as per the report.
Manchester City have struggled this season
Manchester City, meanwhile, have not been dominant throughout the season as they were in the previous title-winning campaigns. Pep Guardiola’s men have failed to defend their title and are currently 25 points behind league leaders Liverpool.
However, they are still in contention for various other titles. The Cityzens have already beaten Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stages. They have also made progress in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup.
While the attacking and the midfield unit has been brilliant, City have faced issues at the back. Their defence has been shaky and the loss against Norwich City, Liverpool and Manchester United has highlighted the need for defensive reinforcements.
Martinez could be a future leader in the Manchester City defence
Guardiola failed to bring in a replacement for Vincent Kompany, who departed last summer. Aymeric Laporte was trusted upon to lead their backline but the Frenchman fell victim to a long-term injury. His absence for the majority of the campaign was heavily felt.
City have already conceded 31 goals this term, which is poor according to their standards as they had shipped in just 23 in the whole of the last league campaign. John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have been completely out of form and as a result, defensive midfielder Fernandinho was asked to take charge at the back.
Though the Brazilian did his best, a few important results didn’t go their way. In that regard, signing Martinez would be a massive boost for the club. The Argentine is a natural centre-back and has already made 96 appearances for River Plate, scoring 5 goals and providing 3 assists in the process. He also played a significant role in his side’s run to the finals of the Copa Libertadores last year.
Verdict
Martinez could be a future prospect in City’s backline if he is able to replicate his good form. He could strike a wonderful partnership with Laporte at the heart of the defence. He has the ability to succeed at the highest level given his performances so far.
With a lack of quality in their defensive unit, Manchester City are in dire need of centre-backs. And Martinez could provide them with the much-needed depth in the squad. He is just 23 and could also represent the club in the long run. Thus, City must manage to lure the Argentine to Etihad this summer.
