100% long balls, 100% take-ons, 95% pass accuracy: 26yo United star dazzles for his country in 2-1 defeat

Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Colombia in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.

The world champions were on an incredible 12-match winning streak, but Colombia got the better of them with a classy attacking performance in front of their fans.

Despite the result, there were some positives to carry forward for Lionel Scaloni’s side. Lisandro Martinez had another good outing in the back three for La Albiceleste.

The Manchester United centre-back played 64 minutes. He had a superb passing accuracy of 95 percent, completing 100% of his long balls and 100% of his dribbles.

Martinez also won four of his five duels contested and could have scored in the opening half.

The 26-year-old had a difficult 2023/24 campaign with the Red Devils, making just 14 appearances. He was on the sidelines with multiple injury setbacks.

However, he has stayed unscathed ever since. Martinez had a good Copa America with Argentina in the summer and has been ever-present for United this season.

His form has been inconsistent in the opening games for United but this can be partly associated with the lack of solidity from Casemiro from the defensive midfield position.

The club should fare better defensively after the international break, with new signing Manuel Ugarte expected to make his debut after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte has completed two games with Uruguay on international duty. This is good news for United, considering he did not have any pre-season with Les Parisiens.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Fotmob.com.