Dani Martínez, where versatility turns into talent | OneFootball

The Atlético Madrileño is currently on a more than positive streak, with four consecutive victories placing them in third position in group 2 of the Primera Federación. It's not just the results but also the sense of competitiveness in any type of context or against any opponent. Among the standout names are Iker Luque, Arnau Ortiz, Salvador Esquivel, Martín Bellotti, Javier Boñar, and many more. However, there is a key player who, when given the chance to participate, has performed remarkably well and barely gets any press.

Dani Martínez (Zaragoza, 05/05/2004) is possibly one of the most overlooked members of the squad for those of us who follow the day-to-day of the reserve team from the outside (the clarification is important, as there are always misunderstandings). Usually a central defender, but with the ability to play as a left-back and defensive midfielder if required, and generally reliable. A player who stands out for his ability to defend against the opponent's counterattacks thanks to his speed and composure, with good aerial play and a level of decision-making with the ball that few central defenders possess.

The player from Zaragoza is in his third season with Atlético Madrileño since making his debut back in the 2023-2024 season, when Luis García Tevenet was in charge of the reserve team during their first year in the Primera Federación. He didn't accumulate 1,000 minutes, but that didn't stop him from working hard, earning the few opportunities he had, and helping his teammates in every way possible. He managed to provide an assist, which he repeated the following year with Torres at the helm. He played a bit more, around 1,200 minutes, alternating between starting and being a substitute due to technical decisions and player absences during international breaks.

In both seasons, he played as a central defender and pivot, but on numerous occasions, he had to perform on the left defensive wing and did well, although I have always been an advocate for players playing in their positions. But that's another story. The reality is that Dani's great virtue is the one mentioned in the title of this piece: versatility. The versatility we've been discussing in these last lines but which, at times, can be negative due to not finding an ideal position for a player and causing stress when receiving too much information. Dani Martínez not only performs at a good level but does so in any position he plays. And the humility that characterizes him so much helps him, of course.

Another aspect I value positively about the player from Zaragoza is that a defender, as they say, has to defend. Several times I referred to him as a footballer with excellent technical-tactical conditions with the ball, knowing how to turn, withstand the suffocating pressure of several opponents, and knowing how to break their lines with passes that few players see so easily. A weapon that Torres always has in mind and, when given the opportunity, has praised in post-match interviews.

Dani has accumulated 3 consecutive starts, adding a masterful assist to Arnau Ortiz to win in Villarreal, and this past Sunday he played as a substitute central defender for the injured Ilias Kostis. He wasn't as challenged overall, but he handled his role well when it was time to defend. Will he continue to be a starter now that Barboza is more than recovered and has ample experience in the category? Well, as the Niño says, there are no starters or substitutes, just players hungry to contribute, help, and win to achieve great things this season. It will certainly be a competition to watch, and the same goes for Julio Díaz at left-back.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.