Pep Guardiola has come clean about Manchester United’s player being ranked among the world’s best.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two young players, scored the goals that gave Manchester United a 2-1 FA Cup final victory against City yesterday.
Meanwhile, United have advanced to the Europa League, relegating Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League.
Erik ten Hag’s squad put on a superb performance, and Guardiola was especially struck by one player.
Acclaim for Lisandro Martinez from Pep Guardiola
Guardiola gushed at Lisandro Martinez’s performance following the Wembley loss.
Lisandro Martinez is one of the world’s top five center-backs. “He was the game-changer by finding gaps in our defense,” the City manager conceded.
Martinez has had a rough season due to injuries, and this was just his twelfth start of the season—just goes to show how United have been rocked hard by important absences.
The Argentine international, who has 16 caps, appeared completely at ease in the back line with Raphael Varane.
Hag may have the two at his disposal all year round if he only has 10.
Manchester City vs. Lisandro Martinez stats
Guardiola’s assertion is further strengthened by Martinez’s statistics versus City. According to Sofascore, here they are.
75 minutes
5 green lights
3/4 of the duels were won.
1 pass interference
80% successful attempts
His passing struck Guardiola in particular, and it’s simple to see why: he completed passes at a rate of 90% on average.
Club officials will have to go out and get a new partner for 26-year-old Varane this summer since he is free to go on a move.
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