Lisandro Martinez stats show Manchester United defender is debunking myth about his height

Lisandro Martinez's impressive aerial statistics at Manchester United show that the player has already debunked the myth that he will struggle in the Premier League due to his height.

The Argentina international stands at 5ft 9in (1.75m) — the shortest centre-back in the Premier League. This statistic has been bandied about for months by both rival fans and pundits, as they quickly argued that a player of his stature would simply not be able to cut it in England.

Martinez’s arrival means the average height of United’s centre-backs now stands at 6ft 1in (185cm). Harry Maguire is tallest at 6ft 4in (194cm), followed by Raphael Varane 6ft 3in (191cm), Victor Lindelof 6ft 1in (187cm) and Phil Jones 5ft 11in (180cm).

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Erik ten Hag was not concerned about his new signing's stature, something the Dutchman would have been able to judge first-hand during their time in Ajax. The United manager told the club's in-house media that his mentality will see him succeed in the Premier League, regardless of height.

He said: “He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit. He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way.”

Ten Hag has since been proven right. According to football statistics hub FBref, in his six league appearances so far, Martinez has won 75 per cent of his aerial duels (nine in total). The 24-year-old is joint top among his fellow United defenders for both headers won and successful tackles, justifying being awarded the club's player of the month award for August.

Southampton tried to use Martinez's height to their advantage when the two sides faced each other at St Mary's at the end of last month. However, the