Emiliano Martínez takes chance, adapts to Abel Ferreira's new role | OneFootball

The tactical change promoted by Abel Ferreira in recent matches has opened up space for Emiliano Martínez. The defensive midfielder has been an important piece in the system with three men on the back line, often acting as a “center back-defensive midfielder” to give the team support.

Before the World Cup, the Uruguayan enjoyed his best run since arriving at Verdão. With strong performances, he claimed a starting spot in midfield and became a regular presence in the starting eleven, a level that earned him a call-up to the Uruguay national team. Even so, he did not take the field during the World Cup.

After the competition, however, Abel Ferreira needed to make adjustments because of suspensions and injuries in the defensive sector. In the four matches since the return, the coach had problems in two games putting together the defense and found in Emiliano a solution to maintain the new setup.

Although lined up as a defensive midfielder, number 32 drops back during the defensive phase and plays practically as a third center back, allowing the full-backs to push forward and giving Palmeiras the freedom to attack with more players.

At the last press conference, Abel explained the logic behind the formation and made it clear that the goal of the system is not to make the team more defensive.

It is precisely in this context that Emiliano Martínez has gained importance. Thanks to his marking ability, defensive awareness, and quality in playing out from the back, the Uruguayan has been responsible for turning the back three into different shapes at different moments of the match, alternating between midfield and defense as needed.

In the 3-0 win over Fortaleza in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, the defensive midfielder had a below-par start. He struggled in build-up play and made a few positioning mistakes during the first half. However, he improved in the second half, strengthened the defensive protection, and was part of a more solid overall Palmeiras performance.

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