Lisandro Martinez sends a honest Virgil van Dijk Liverpool message amid Manchester United rumours

Lisandro Martinez sends a honest Virgil van Dijk Liverpool message amid Manchester United rumours

Lisandro Martinez, an Ajax defender, has stated that he does not want to be compared to Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool as rumors of a possible transfer to the Premier League continue to swirl.

According to reports, Manchester United and Arsenal are in negotiations to sign the Argentine defender with Dutch powerhouse Ajax.

Martinez, who can also play left back and defensive midfield, is described as a ball-playing centerback.

Virgil van Dijk put up a man of the match display against Inter Milan( Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Ajax wants to pay more than £40 million for their player of the year for 2021–2022.

Martinez, who is not the tallest of defenders at 5 feet 9 inches, has compared his style of play to that of former Italian World Cup victor Fabio Cannavaro.

Martinez was careful to point out that he is not comparable to Reds defender Van Dijk, saying that the Dutch star’s height is “worth nothing” if you lack “the other traits.”

“[Fabio] Cannavaro was ­comfortable on the ball,” Martinez told the Daily Mirror;

“And, despite his lack of height, he challenged for every ball as if it was the last tackle to win the game. I loved that style and I am just like him.

“I would prefer not to be like Virgil van Dijk. His height is certainly a big plus, but when you don’t have the other qualities, it is worth nothing.

“My favourite position is definitely central defence. I started out as a midfielder, but I learned all the ­qualities for a central defender who plays in an attacking team under Ten Hag. I can look after myself.”

In other news, Latest Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk injury update ahead of Southampton match