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Lisandro Martinez and Argentina bought their COPA America preparations underneath means with a strong 1-0 pleasant match win over Ecuador on Sunday evening.
A fortieth minute strike from former United winger Angel Di Maria was sufficient to seal the victory because the Ecuadorians not often threatened.
La Albiceleste had 11 pictures on aim and restricted Ecuador to 0 on course and solely 5 makes an attempt total.
The reigning World Champions additionally managed to dominate the ball with 65% possession of their favour.
Of most curiosity to United followers was the inclusion of Lisandro Martinez within the beginning lineup and he got here via the 90 minutes unscathed.
The favored defender has had a season from hell harm smart, limiting him to only 14 appearances all season. Nevertheless he did begin the FA Cup remaining final month and performed a key half within the superb victory for the Purple Devils.
He had a formidable outing for his nationwide staff as he scored a ranking of seven.5 on Sofascore as he dominated the Ecuadorian ahead line.
As common he was sturdy defensively, making two clearances, blocking one shot and making an interception as his aspect saved a clear sheet.
He received 100% of his floor duels and in addition his aerial battles as nothing bought previous him on the evening.
Most spectacular of all was how comfy Martinez was on the ball. United followers are very conversant in how important the defender is because the aspect’s construct up and luxury on the ball typically exhibits an enormous drop-off when he isn’t within the aspect.
Martinez had a formidable 92 touches and made an impressive 85 out of his 86 passes for a jaw-dropping 99% cross accuracy.
He performed three lengthy balls, all of which have been profitable, and solely misplaced possession as soon as in your complete recreation, displaying off his supreme confidence on the ball.
The 26 12 months outdated even managed to have one shot on course and accomplished one dribble efficiently.
The United defender might be delighted to get one other 90 minutes in his legs earlier than the beginning of the match and can hope that his great show will preserve him firmly in supervisor Lionel Scaloni’s ideas earlier than the match kicks off for the Argentines on Thursday twentieth June in opposition to Canada.
Subsequent up for Martinez is one other pleasant match in opposition to Guatemala this Friday. One man who can even be hoping to be concerned is United’s younger star, Alejandro Garnacho, who was an unused substitute in opposition to Ecuador.
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