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Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez played his part as Argentina booked their spot in the final of Copa America, where they will play Facundo Pellistri’s Uruguay or Colombia on Sunday night (Monday morning UK time).
The Argentines had to overcome a stubborn Canadian team who were playing in their first ever Copa America semi-final.
La Albiceleste won 2-0 through goals from Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi. They shaded possession with 51% of the ball and had 11 shots to Canada’s nine.
The World champions had some clear chances in the first half to extend their lead but Canada fought back in the second half to make a game of it.
Lisandro Martinez put in another solid display as he helped his side keep a fourth clean sheet in five matches.
In fact, they have not conceded a goal when United’s number six has been on the pitch, as Ecuador’s equaliser in the quarter final arrived after Martinez had already been subbed off.
El Carnicero was given a score of 6.9 from Sofascore and made one clearance for his team in a professional effort.
He won 100% of his ground duels but lost his only aerial duel as Canada failed to muster many clear-cut chances in the game.
Due to the dominance of the holders, Martinez has had more opportunity to shine from a possession perspective rather than actually defending in the tournament so far.
He had 75 touches in the game, completing 64 of his 70 passes for a pass success rate of 91%.
The centre back was also able to progress the ball forward for his team, completing four out of his eight attempted long balls.
Martinez opened his account for his national side against Ecuador in the last round and showed his increasing goal-scoring threat with another shot off target during the match.
He has certainly consolidated himself as a fixture in Argentina’s starting line up and this will only come as good news to Manchester United fans, who can only benefit from a healthy, confident and happy Martinez.
He will play an even more important role next year as United are attempting to sign Matthijs de Ligt, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro for defence, so he will be critical in assisting any of these centre backs’ transition into United’s defensive line.
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