One of La Liga’s most sought after defenders
Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez pops up often as a rumored Barcelona transfer target. The Catalans are looking to replace Javier Mascherano, but there are a number of complicating factors. First, Barca has already agreed a deal for the young Colombian defender Yerry Mina. Another factor is the Basque club’s firm selling price of 32 million euros. Barcelona could afford such an outlay, but it is a lot of money for a stop-gap measure until Mina arrives.
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Liverpool has no complicating factors and could easily afford the 32 million euro asking price. The club desperately needs a new center back or three. Lovren and Klavan are not good enough to earn regular minutes at a club aiming for Champions league places. Martinez would walk into the starting XI.
The Basque defender is routinely linked to Barca, and it is easy to see why. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and capable of picking out a pass. He is not particularly tall for a center back at just 5’10”. However, his strength and positioning still sees him win 2.37 aerial duels per 90 minutes. For the sake of comparison, Klavan at 6’1” averages 2.30.
He also averages 1.54 interceptions per match. Indeed, he leads La Liga in regaining possession in the defensive third over the last five seasons. The statistics back up the eye test: Martinez is a solid defender who reads the game well and is good on the ball. Liverpool would do well to sign him up. His knack for cutting out opposition passes and ability to quickly spring the attack would fit well with Klopp’s heavy metal football.
*all stats via Sqawka