What kind of player is Atlanta United getting in Josef Martinez , who will join the MLS club after an inconsistent spell at Torino in Italy's first division?
ESPN analyst Alejandro Moreno offered this scout report of his fellow Venezuelan (I’ve included facts in italics), who were together in several national team camps:
Although young, Josef has plenty of experience at club and international level. (though 23, he's been a pro since 2010 when he joined Caracas)
Dynamic on the dribble, quick in tight spaces, good pace over distance. Can strike the ball well with both feet. Strong and low to the ground. Good work rate.
Has had difficulties with consistency of performance. (He scored just seven times for Torino in 58 appearances)
Sometimes has a tendency to force trying to find the ball sacrificing his proximity to the goal and in doing so, he can take himself from goal scoring positions. Will score goals but he's not necessarily a pure goal scorer. Up and down in front of goal and will struggle winning headers in attacking positions. (It seems likely he will play on the left wing)
If he adapts well, he can be a very positive addition to Atlanta. He's young, talented, and anxious for playing time (which had become an issue at Torino). (He has four starts in 11 appearances for Torino in the 2016-17 season. He has one goal, but three yellow cards. He started 20 games in 26 appearances in 2014-15)
Perhaps more importantly, he has something to prove to himself. (He seems to perform better with the national team, where he has nine goals in 37 appearances)
-
For those who don’t know, Moreno was on the Venezuela team that played Mexico in the first soccer game in the Georgia Dome. Mexico won 4-0. I wrote a feature before the game about Moreno, and just happened to remember that he called me for the interview. I still had his number 7 1/2 years later.
About the Author
