Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez delivered a stunning display for Argentina against Austria in their second group game at the World Cup.
Martinez helped Argentina to claim a 2-0 victory in Texas and qualify for the next round.
The 28-year-old played as the left centre-back in a back-four system.
He had 84 touches of the ball and achieved a superb 95% passing accuracy.
He made eight defensive contributions and won four of his six duels.
Martinez was reliable with the ball at his feet and was always available to pass.
He constantly offered passing angles and helped Argentina control the rhythm of the game from deep.
Austria repeatedly attempted to press him but found no success against his intelligence and technical quality.
Martinez also created a superb goal-scoring opportunity for Thiago Almada by playing an exquisite long ball after spotting the 25-year-old’s run.
The Argentine media lavished praise on him after the contest.
TyC Sports awarded Martinez an outstanding rating of 8/10.
Only Lionel Messi received a higher score after producing a match-winning performance and scoring both goals.
The Argentine outlet described him as “the best defender and one of the best on the team.”
Martinez appears fully focused on helping Argentina defend their World Cup crown.
His performance will also have brought a huge smile to the face of United head coach Michael Carrick.
The former Ajax star has endured a frustrating two years due to recurring injury setbacks.
However, whenever he is fully fit and available, he consistently looks a level above most defenders around him.
Carrick will now hope Martinez can carry this momentum back to Old Trafford.
Stats from Sofascore.com