07 February 2023 , 07:19
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Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been hailed as the most in-form central defender in the Premier League by Rio Ferdinand.
The Argentine international – who helped his nation win the World Cup in December – has been a standout arrival at Old Trafford since his summer switch from Ajax. He has usurped club captain Harry Maguire from the starting line-up and formed a formidable partnership with Raphael Varane.
Martinez was partnered by Victor Lindelof in United’s EFL Cup first leg semi-final three-goal EFL Cup win at Nottingham Forest and the Argentine claimed after the match that the Sweden international also suited him stylistically as a defensive partner.
The versatile defender has instantly become a fan favourite at United with the Old Trafford faithful regularly chanting “Argentina! Argentina!” in a show of appreciation for his performances. Martinez has established himself as a leader in the defence of Erik ten Hag’s new-look team.
Despite fierce competition for central defensive starting spots at the club alongside Varane, Maguire and Lindelof, the Argentine has always been one of the first names on the teamsheet throughout the campaign – justifying his inclusion with a string of impressive displays.
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His form has now been praised by Ferdinand, who praised his showings throughout the campaign and added that his level of performance ensured that United’s recruitment team also deserved praise for his signing from Ajax.
Lisandro Martinez celebrates after Man Utd's win over Nottingham Forest (Getty Images)Have Your Say! Is Martinez the best defender in the Premier League right now? Tell us what you think here.
Ferdinand explained on FIVE when asked if the Argentine was the best central defender in the league: "On form right now, I don't think there's really much argument coming from anywhere else. I think he's dominant, he's aggressive, he's a leader, he communicates well, he shows character, he's there in big moments.
"But I was one of the ones questioning, 'Is he physically gonna be able to compete here if teams isolate him, if teams isolate him?'. And that's where Erik ten Hag has been confident in tactically being able to keep teams away from being able to dominate enough possession to isolate someone like Martinez."
The former United defender continued: "And, up till now, he hasn't been exposed in that sense. On a regular basis, week after week, are we not sitting there going, 'That's a recurring problem, there. It continues to happen, someone's pulling out on him and jumping over him or bullying him physically'. We haven't seen that, that hasn't become the narrative, and you have to say well done to him but also well done to the recruitment up to now."