Despite being 1.75 meters tall and weighing only 72 kilograms, Lisandro Martínez isn’t the quintessential Premier League center-back. However, many have discovered that appearances can be deceiving. Once questioned by both fans and analysts, his stature has now become a defining characteristic of his football persona. What detractors deemed a weakness has evolved into a representation of fortitude, flexibility, and unwavering resolve.
In July 2022, Manchester United revealed that he would be joining for approximately £57 million. His physical attributes, rather than the cost, caused some people to take notice. Strikers in the Premier League are tall and relentless, and the league is known for its physicality. How could a defender who was 5’9″ and weighed 72 kg possibly control such territory? That skepticism was short-lived. In just a few weeks, Martínez silenced skeptics by using his exceptional timing and keen positional awareness. Surprisingly, his weight—which is typically thought of as light for a defender—became a tactical advantage, enabling him to stay quick off the mark, agile, and extremely effective during transitions.
Lisandro Martínez – Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lisandro Martínez |
| Date of Birth | 18 January 1998 (Age 27) |
| Place of Birth | Gualeguay, Argentina |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Nickname | The Butcher |
| Current Club | Manchester United |
| Club Number | 6 |
| Notable Achievements | Ajax Player of the Year (2021–22), 2x Eredivisie Champion, 1x KNVB Cup |
| International Titles | Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, FIFA World Cup 2022, Copa América 2024 |
| Reference |
Martínez displayed a highly adaptable style of play from the start of his career at Newell’s Old Boys to his breakthrough seasons at Ajax. He established a playing identity based on reading the game, making smart moves, and executing pinpoint distribution, in contrast to many defenders who only use physical strength. Because of his relatively small stature, he was able to prioritize technique over force, which would later come to define his time in European football.
The Argentine did more than just hold his own during his 120 appearances at Ajax; he flourished there. Martínez demonstrated that his size did not limit his impact by winning the Ajax Player of the Year award in the 2021–22 campaign. Rather, it allowed him to adjust his style to a technically demanding, fast-paced setting. His lighter frame allowed for smooth movements and flawless ball control, which was ideal for Ajax’s possession-based style. He was also remarkably effective at building plays from the back.
Martínez changed people’s perceptions by the time he met Erik ten Hag again at Old Trafford. United supporters cheered him on during his performances. He and Raphaël Varane forged a solid partnership right away, and he established himself as a mainstay in United’s defense. In addition to being very obvious to teammates, his style—which was characterized by hard pressing, clean tackles, and astute positioning—was also motivating to fans who were yearning for defensive steel.
Martínez exhibited a warrior mentality in numerous matches, which struck a chord with the game’s legends. His aggressive demeanor and unyielding strategy are remarkably reminiscent of those of Carles Puyol, another defender who was not particularly tall but had an unbreakable mental toughness. Instead of being a disadvantage, Martínez’s weight helped him accelerate and maintain his stamina, particularly in high-pressure situations where every second matters.
During Manchester United’s 2023 EFL Cup run, he experienced one of the most pivotal moments of his career. He played a key role in strengthening an already tenuous defense. With the dexterity of a fencer, his 72 kg frame darted in and out of confined spaces, intercepting balls and calmly evading danger. He also played a significant part in the team’s run to the FA Cup final and a deep Europa League campaign during that season. The idea that intelligence, not just size, demands a defense was reaffirmed in each game.
But not every moment was successful. Martínez sustained a foot injury late in the 2022–2023 season that would necessitate surgery and a protracted recuperation period. He made a comeback at the beginning of the 2023–24 season, only to experience yet another setback. His mental fortitude, however, was unfazed. Despite the delay in his return, he made a relentless effort to regain his position at the center of the defense. Ten Hag and United staff especially commended his quiet ferocity in approaching rehab and turning suffering into purpose.
His performances for Argentina in their 2022 World Cup-winning team further enhanced his reputation abroad. Despite not always being the first name on the sheet, he performed well when called upon. Martínez carried out his responsibilities with conviction, whether it was filling in during the group stages or providing guidance in the locker room. His World Cup victory and subsequent Copa América championship in 2024 gave his accolades a significant boost—no pun intended.
In today’s football environment, weight, height, and speed are frequently brought up in conversations about physicality. However, Lisandro Martínez questions that conversation. He has significantly advanced the knowledge that mentality, strategy, and anticipation are also important components of strength. He has been able to develop balance, which many bulkier players find difficult, thanks to his relatively lean physique. His mobility, which enables him to move from defense to build-up in a matter of seconds, is especially helpful during rapid transitions and is becoming more and more important in contemporary tactical systems.
Due to the influence of players such as Martínez, the industry trend is gradually changing. These days, coaches look beyond stopwatches and scales. They are looking for thinkers, game readers, and quick thinkers and action takers. Martínez is a prime example of that change. His performance is consistently improved through strategic collaborations between data analysts, physiotherapists, and coaching staff. His body weight stays constant because it’s perfect for his style of play, not because it’s low.
For supporters, particularly those who support younger players who don’t fit the stereotype of the “classic center-back,” Martínez provides something tremendously motivating. He stands for the belief that being the smartest, most dedicated, and unabashedly brave is more important than being the biggest. His professional path demonstrates that people with heart frequently outperform those who are just tall.
