A Case for Lisandro Martinez at Left-Back

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I spent more time than I'd like to admit detailing reasons why I think 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.

While some premises may be more subjective than others, I hold each one with deep conviction and careful consideration.

If necessary, I am willing to write and link separate essays for each of the boldened points.

RCB - Right Centre-Back; LCB - Left Centre-Back.

• Fullback is a utility position: a good fullback in one setup performs very different core functions from another.

• All fullbacks get dribbled past; it's a feature, not a bug.

• Centre-back is not a utility position.

• Manchester United are a side in need of margins. Fullback is where the best teams steal margins.

• Shaw, Malacia, and Martinez were injured across almost the entire season. It is unrealistic to expect each one to return with full vim.

• Whatever running and movement help you suppose United's left-winger needs, it is possible to get that from midfield.

My case for Martinez at LB:
— FB is a utility position. A 'good' FB in one setup performs very different core functions from another.
— Martinez is a good footballer & possibly the most secure in that zone. Good footballers deliver across board. A ~10-metre difference in set…
— Joel A. A. (@joeladejola)