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Lisandro Martinez and Argentina obtained their COPA America preparations underneath method with a strong 1-0 pleasant match win over Ecuador on Sunday night time.
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 track and solely 5 makes an attempt general.
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 by the 90 minutes unscathed.
The favored defender has had a season from hell harm clever, limiting him to simply 14 appearances all season. Nonetheless he did begin the FA Cup ultimate final month and performed a key half within the superb victory for the Crimson Devils.
He had a powerful outing for his nationwide crew as he scored a score of seven.5 on Sofascore as he dominated the Ecuadorian ahead line.
As common he was robust defensively, making two clearances, blocking one shot and making an interception as his facet stored a clear sheet.
He gained 100% of his floor duels and in addition his aerial battles as nothing obtained previous him on the night time.
Most spectacular of all was how snug Martinez was on the ball. United followers are very aware of how important the defender is because the facet’s construct up and luxury on the ball usually exhibits an enormous drop-off when he’s not within the facet.
Martinez had a powerful 92 touches and made an impressive 85 out of his 86 passes for a jaw-dropping 99% go accuracy.
He performed three lengthy balls, all of which had been profitable, and solely misplaced possession as soon as in your entire sport, exhibiting off his supreme confidence on the ball.
The 26 12 months outdated even managed to have one shot on track and accomplished one dribble efficiently.
The United defender shall be delighted to get one other 90 minutes in his legs earlier than the beginning of the event and can hope that his fantastic show will preserve him firmly in supervisor Lionel Scaloni’s ideas earlier than the event 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 will 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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