Pity Martinez ideal replacement for Miguel Almiron

Atlanta United had one of the best seasons that MLS fans ever witnessed in 2018: a team full of surprises, enjoyable football, broken records and a deserved championship. Tata Martino exploited the talent of Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez; however, part of Martinez’s success came from his associate, Paraguayan attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron.

Almiron had a perfect year and was the brain behind Atlanta United’s championship. His stunning season didn’t pass unnoticed. Almiron signed for Newcastle and set a transfer record of £21 million, the most considerable sum of money that MLS has seen.

With the departure of the Paraguayan to the Premier League, Atlanta United had the task to replace the best playmaker of the last MLS season. Even so, the actual champions signed the best man they could afford.

Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez comes to Atlanta as the best South American — as the continent’s player of the year — as awarded by El Pais. The similarities between Martinez and Almiron are unbelievably close in every aspect.

Both can play behind the striker and have a very similar offensive projection, both have a good distance long-range shot, both are left-footed.

However, Pity Martinez will bring even more energy and maturity into Atlanta’s attack. Martinez performs more in front of the lateral line, can play on both sides of the pitch and his speed is something that will matter in a physical league like MLS. In the case that new head coach Frank de Boer stays with the same tactical drawing, Martinez will become a more explosive player in the open field due to his speed and ball control.

Under Marcelo Gallardo’s orders, Pity Martinez became a more intelligent player and performed better in crucial games. His mentality and game changed for good. He doesn’t stick to a simple role, even if he starts as a left or right wing. Pity interacts with the ball, and appears from different flanks into the attack. He’s a player that is difficult to isolate because of his constant mobility.

There’s an aspect that Pity Martinez has, and it’s tough to acquire. Psychologically, he is a resilient player. Martinez arrived in the most demanding and strict time to River Plate. As a player, he was criticized because he didn’t reflect the prize that River Plate paid for him. But he grew, and in three years he was awarded as the best player on the continent.

The Five Stripes got the best addition to replace Miguel Almiron. The experience and attributes that Martinez offers fit perfectly with the functionality, tactical drawing and association that Josef Matinez needs to keep Atlanta United in the hunt for a second MLS Cup championship.

Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.

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