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Lisandro Martinez has instilled confidence in the Ajax faithful after Matthijs de Ligt's departure from the club this summer.
The former club captain, 20, made a stunning move to Juventus and left fans uncertain about the future of the Ajax backline without his commanding presence.
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But Martinez, who was snapped up from Argentine side Defensa on a four-year deal this summer, has shown the future is bright for the Dutch champions with his performance in the Champions League qualifying matches.
The Argentine centre-back played in both matches against Greek side PAOK as Erik ten Hag's men secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg before winning 3-2 at home in the second leg.
And an Ajax fan, Marc Geschwind, has created a montage to spotlight Martinez's confidence on the ball, passing ability and composure to squash any attacking threat against his side.
Lisandro Martinez vs. PAOK
I knew he was rated really highly and so many told me he was the best CB in Argentina, but wow, I never imagined he would be this good.
He's absolutely blown me away and I cannot believe we got him for €7m. What a signing. pic.twitter.com/tLrqmu4k2F
- Marc Geschwind (@MarcGeschwind) August 15, 2019
"I knew he was rated really highly and so many told me he was the best CB in Argentina, but wow, I never imagined he would be this good," the Ajax supporter tweeted.
"He's absolutely blown me away and I cannot believe we got him for €7m. What a signing."
And other fans have shared similar feelings to Geschwind as they praised the Argentina international.
De ligt won't be missed seems
- FDJSZN (@FDJSZN101) 15 August 2019
Like a left-footed Koscielny :heart_eyes: @noahcreich
- Ben Rennie (@TipsterRennie) 15 August 2019
Really hope he's a starter for @Argentina next summer and in 2022
- Myles Dolphin (@myles_dolphin) 15 August 2019
His anticipation is wild.
- Juan Aguerrevere (@J_AguerrevereUF) 15 August 2019
Dazzling foot movements.
- Prabin Poudel (@SangrillaP) 15 August 2019
Ajax director of football Marc Overmars said at the time of Martinez's signings that the player has plenty of versatility and an attacking mindset.
"Martinez is a left-footed player who can play in multiple positions at the back," he told the club's website.
"He is a defender who wants to play forward.
"He brings along a certain mentality that we can use well here, comparable to what his fellow countryman Nico Tagliafico shows.
"And Lisandro is still young, so we expect that he will develop further into an even better player in the coming years."
Will Martinez fill the void left behind by De Ligt?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: UEFA
Topics: Football News, Matthijs de Ligt, Football, Eredivisie, Ajax, Champions League, Twitter