Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad, 22)
Background Another of the stable of Sociedad’s homegrown starlets.
Position Central defender.
Strengths Martinez is an incredibly elegant and upright presence on the pitch. He is an excellent passer for a defender and has an impressive awareness of space. He is a cerebral player, a defender by correct positioning rather than outright pace or strength. An excellent interceptor of the ball and reader of the game. However, he is capable enough in the physical confrontations, perhaps surprisingly so given his relative lack of height.
Weaknesses He’s not quick and although he makes up for it with his brain it could be an issue against raw pace.
The next Fernando Hierro. The ex-Real Madrid captain and three time Champions League winner relied on his brain and passing ability to become one of the top defenders in the world. An elegant, intelligent player who Martinez can aspire to be like.