Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand has raised questions about Lisandro Martinez’s ability amid ongoing links to Manchester United and Arsenal.
According to numerous reports, United and Arsenal are very keen to sign the Argentine. In fact, Fabrizio Romano has stated this week that the Gunners will push very hard until the end to beat United in the race for Martinez.
Two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are in for Martinez, but Ferdinand isn’t quite sure that he’s good enough for the Premier League, questioning his pace, size and physicality.
What’s been said?
Ferdinand shared some of his worries about Martinez.
“Martinez the centre-back, left-footed, very good on the ball, a very good distributor of the ball, there are still going to be question marks about him. Is he quick enough? Is he big enough? Is he going to be dominant enough in a league that demands your physicality being tip-top,” Ferdinand said.
Risky at centre-back
Ferdinand is absolutely right to question Martinez’s physicality. After all, he is just 5ft 9 and in the Premier League, he’d be dominated in aerial duels.
However, luckily for Arsenal, Martinez is a versatile player, and if he signs of the Gunners, he may not play as a centre-back.
Indeed, according to Goal, the Gunners view Martinez as more of a left-back, and if he plays out wide, he won’t be subjected to as many physical battles.
Unfortunately though, Ferdinand also questioned his pace, and with the likes of Mo Salah and Dejan Kulusevski set to come up against Martinez on the right next season, his speed could also be targeted.
This may be a bit of a risky signing.
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