Pundit cites Diogo Jota after £50m+ Man United deal agreed

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Lisandro Martinez’s height should cause no concerns to Man United fans.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker cited Diogo Jota as an example of a smaller player who is great in the air.

Man United confirmed on Sunday (17 July) they have reached an agreement in principle with Ajax for a deal with Martinez.

The 5ft 7in centre-back will complete a £50m+ move after completing a medical, agreeing personal terms and securing a visa.

Asked whether Martinez’s height should concern fans, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Not at all.

“In football now, there are not as many crosses as there used to be. A lot of teams are trying to play this impressive football.

“Look at Jota, for instance, he wins a lot of headers and is not tall.

“If Martinez can time his jumps properly there is no reason why he can’t win headers at that height, it’s all about timing.

“Do you just want a tall defender or do you want a defender who can spray balls across the pitch and play from the back, is very good at reading the game and tackling?

“For me, it’s a great signing. People forget Fabio Cannavaro, Franco Baresi and Carlos Puyol were all 5ft 9in, 5ft 10in.

“With a lot of the strikers who play in the Premier League, you don’t have tall strikers. Liverpool play with small wingers and Arsenal are the same.

“As much as people might look at height, I don’t think it’s a problem at all.”