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By Jordan Russell
Twitter- @JordRuss96
Growing up in Bahía Blanca, a city in the southwest of Argentina’s Buenos Aires province, allowed a young Lautaro Martínez to revel in the same football mad communities that so many of his fellow countrymen had done in years and decades gone by. Unlike so many Argentine footballers whose careers fizzle out after deciding to leave their homeland too soon, there is in fact an aura of inevitability about this young man’s ability to reach the pinnacle of the world game.
From a very young age, it was clear that all Martínez wanted to do was follow in his father’s footsteps and become a professional footballer. He joined local side Liniers, with whom he excelled at under-17 level. In 2013, he scored 13 goals in the youth division and found the back of the net in the final of the National Cup against Rosario Central. His prolific form at youth level caught the attention of Racing Club interim coach Fabio Radaelli, who signed him in January 2014. Suffering from homesickness, it took the intervention of teammate Braian Mansilla to persuade him to remain in Avellaneda. This proved to be a turning point in his career, as he went on to score 53 goals in 64 appearances for the club’s second-string side.
Aptly, considering his infinite potential, he made his league debut by coming on as a second-half substitute for the legendary Diego Milito in a 3-0 win against Crucero del Norte. Fans and journalists viewed it as the baton being passed on from one generation to the next, with young buck Martínez already ‘destined’ for greatness. The hype train really sped up a few notches after he scored his first league goal for the club, netting the opener in a 1-1 draw versus Huracán. In 2016, he suddenly found himself in a more senior role within the squad after first choice striker Lisandro López suffered a serious injury. Suffice to say he did not disappoint, scoring 9 goals in 23 appearances – a very decent return in what was his first sustained run of first team matches.
Unlike many South Americans who find themselves linked with money-spinning moves to Europe at a young age, Martínez has made it quite clear on several occasions that he only intends to leave Argentina when he is good and ready. It seems likely that he will join Atlético Madrid, with compatriot Diego Simeone reportedly very keen to team up with the 20-year- old. Whether that is in January, next summer or indeed the following year, Los Colchoneros will be investing in a talent with all the ingredients needed to be one of the very best of his type in world football. However, interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Valencia ensures that there is plenty of competition for his signature.
Martínez’s playing style is not too dissimilar to that of Manchester City’s record goalscorer Sergio “Kun” Agüero. There are definitely some comparisons to be made, not least because of how much physical strength they both possess despite not being overly tall. In modern football, it is vital that strikers are willing to contribute defensively and work hard for the team. If indeed Lautaro does end up plying his trade for Diego Simeone’s team, he will soon realise that Cholismo demands this of him every second he is on the pitch.
The young gun’s progress has faltered in recent months due to a metatarsal fracture, but he has managed to regain a spot in Racing’s starting XI since his return. Of
course, it will take him some time to regain 100% match sharpness, but the early signs are good. He is his team’s most dangerous attacking threat by some considerable distance and, if he can continue from where he left off prior to his injury, it won’t be too long until a major European superpower offers Racing a fee worthy of their star player’s supreme talent.
From a tactical point of view, Martínez should have absolutely no problem settling into Simeone’s system of play. It is common knowledge that the 47-year- old likes to set his team up in a 4-4- 2/4-2- 2-2 formation – Lautaro has featured in a similar shape under several different coaches during his time in Avellaneda. The imminent arrival of Diego Costa in January would surely complicate the youngster’s chances of consistent first team football in the near future though. That is, unless Antoine Griezmann’s time at Atléti is due to come to an end. Watch this space. Though Martínez is a more orthodox centre-forward than the Frenchman, who arrived from Real Sociedad as a winger by trade, he does possess some similar attributes to the left-footed Frenchman.
Having represented his country with distinction at various levels so far, many Argentines are already pinning their hopes on their latest young jewel to fire them to World Cup glory in the future. There is no doubt this kid has everything required to reach the very top. Now it is crucial that he steers clear of injury, keeps his feet on the ground and, perhaps most importantly, opts not move to Europe just for the sake of a better contract. His advisors should be urging him to wait for the right club – one he can develop at under a coach who truly believes in his ability. After all, this next decision could set the tone for the rest of his career. Let us all hope he realises all that potential and becomes the worldwide star so many already believe he can be.