# A Case for Lisandro Martinez at Left-Back *I present a chain-of-thought argument supporting why Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez can and should be considered for the left-back position.* > For the full version with images, embedded tweets, and visual breakdowns, [visit BallerzBantz](https://www.ballerzbantz.com/p/lisandro-left-back). I spent more time than I'd like to admit detailing reasons why Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez could and should be considered at left-back. Because the argument hints at some of my **fundamental interpretations** of the sport, I've deemed it necessary to archive. --- - **Fullback is a utility position**: A good fullback in one setup performs very different core functions from another. Martinez is a good footballer and possibly the most secure in that deep, left zone. A ~10-metre difference in set position is inconsequential to his ball-playing capacity. - **All fullbacks get dribbled past; it's a feature, not a bug.** Most fullbacks get dribbled past more times than they intervene. Martinez has better defensive fundamentals than both Shaw and Malacia. Any pure-defending margin gained or lost with Martinez is insignificant. - **Centre-back is not a utility position.** Box-defending, cover-defending, first contact, set-pieces, and clearances are all fundamentals. Martinez has deficiencies in a couple of these, which could be sealed with a different option. - **Fullback is where the best teams steal margins.** At left-back, United would have one of the best deep playmakers in the world in a liberated role. Meanwhile, at center-back, they'd have a workable player with restrained playmaking potential. - Shaw, Malacia, and Martinez were injured across almost the entire season. Tabbing Martinez as a left-back option and signing an LCB helps insure that. - Whatever running and movement help the left-winger needs, it's possible to get from midfield. Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are more than capable of providing cover runs. --- ## Related - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Projections/Ahmedhodžić]] - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Mechanics/Tackling Mechanics]] - [[BB-wiki-1/Sports/Frameworks/Focusing on Strengths]] - [[Second Balls and Casemiro]]