Having been labelled as "too small for the Premier League" by some, one of Manchester United's star defenders has now responded to the criticism hurled at him.
'Alexander-Arnold's Defending Is Championship Level'
Lisandro Martinez arrived in England with a massive reputation after Erik ten Hag raided his former club Ajax Amsterdam for the Argentine's services in July.
However, it was not all smooth sailing for the 24-year-old once his €57.37 million (R1 billion) transfer was completed.
Martinez was part of a United defence that conceded six goals in their opening two Premier League games, against Brighton Hove Albion and Brentford, and given his 1.75m height, many predicted the 2021 Copa America winner would have a hard time adapting to the physicality of the English game as a result.
However, the Gualeguay native now looks to be a revelation for the Red Devils, with the Mancunians having gone on a four-game winning streak in the EPL, during which Martinez was awarded United's Player of the Month award for August.
Now on international duty with Argentina, the central defender has hit back at those who criticised him about his height.
"To be honest, it's a dream come true to be playing at such a big club as Manchester United, especially playing in the Premier League, which I think is one of the best leagues in the world," he told TyC Sports.
"It's nice to catch the rhythm of the Premier League, so I'm very happy.
"I don't pay attention [to criticism]. I believe in myself, I trust myself. I always work hard every day.
"That's what's going to give you results at the end."
Southgate Makes Big Admission About England Job
It appears Martinez has translated his impressive club form to the international stage as he was part of the Albiceleste defence that kept a clean sheet in their 3-0 win over Honduras on Saturday morning.
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