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This boy is more than a bit special

It’s confirmed — Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (picture) will be one of the most closely watched players in the English Premier League this weekend — and for the rest of the season, too — after the wonder teen scored his fourth goal in four games in United’s 3-0 win over Ipswich in the League Cup on Thursday. That’s three more than Wayne Rooney has scored! What makes this 19-year-old striker such a precocious talent? TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) breaks down the boy’s qualities.

It’s confirmed — Manchester United’s Anthony Martial (picture) will be one of the most closely watched players in the English Premier League this weekend — and for the rest of the season, too — after the wonder teen scored his fourth goal in four games in United’s 3-0 win over Ipswich in the League Cup on Thursday. That’s three more than Wayne Rooney has scored! What makes this 19-year-old striker such a precocious talent? TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) breaks down the boy’s qualities.

TACTICAL EFFECT 9/10

The teenager’s running power has had an instant impact on the way opponents defend against United.

When Wayne Rooney or Marouane Fellaini lead the line, back fours can squeeze up knowing that neither has the explosiveness to trouble them unduly with runs in behind. This helps them to crowd pockets of space where Manchester United’s attacking midfielders enjoy weaving their magic. The threat of Martial’s pace means they’re setting their line several yards deeper, leaving more room in midfield for others to play.

Willing to bend clever runs into the channels, the 19-year-old stretches the game and offers teammates a fresh option. When a United player wins possession and wants to clip an early pass in behind the opposition fullback, they now have someone capable of turning a hopeful pass into a profitable one.

TEMPERAMENT 9/10

Being the world’s most expensive teenager — at £36 million (S$78 million), potentially rising to £58 million, on a four-year contract — might stress some people out, but if the pressure is playing on his mind, Martial isn’t showing it.

While scoring with his first shot in a United shirt handily eased the weight on his shoulders, it’s easy to forget that this is a kid playing in an alien league, in a country he knows very little about, with very few friends around for company. With his limited English, he can’t even communicate properly with his teammates.

Would you know it? No.

Self-assured and unflustered, the ex-Monaco man looks like he was born to perform on the big Old Trafford stage. There’s been no hint of nerves or panic in his play. Imagine how he’ll be when he’s settled.

TEAM WORK 6/10

This is one area he will have to improve on. Louis van Gaal likes his front players to press, and Martial isn’t a natural at it. Once his fitness improves, more demands will be placed on the teenager to close defenders down.

Raw and inexperienced, he could also look after the ball better for the team. His pass accuracy currently stands at a lowly 62.9 per cent, and his closest colleague in this area is Ashley Young on 77.8 per cent. Very few Premier League players are less accurate than he is, and most are in the mid-80s.

Martial’s link-up play and ball retention will get better once he acclimatises to the physical demands of English football. When he’s not scoring goals, the striker needs to ensure he’s still helping his side.

FOOTWORK 8/10

We knew he was a speed merchant, but the youngster’s nimble footwork has helped explain why Ed Woodward was willing to sanction a mega deal worth upwards of £36 million. His technique and balance appear to be outstanding.

The way he chopped the ball from one foot to the other at full pelt to bamboozle Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel on his debut was a sign of immense natural talent.

To prove it wasn’t a fluke, the teenager produced a moment just as good against Southampton. Falling over as he collected Juan Mata’s pass, the touch, sure-footedness and downright impudence of his “Cruyff Turn” (a move that left Virgil van Dijk on the seat of his pants) was just magnificent. The best players produce great footwork in tight situations, and Martial has done that twice in two EPL games.

MOVEMENT 8/10

Thierry Henry used to elegantly accelerate away from defenders when it looked like he was jogging at half-pace, and with Martial it’s much the same. When you’re that fast, you don’t need to make innovative runs. Just let the legs go.

I’ve watched him closely, and I like the way he takes up positions in between central defenders. Anticipating turnovers or a mistake, he’s on the move ready to pounce, and because he’s in space, the markers can’t touch him, or block him off.

His favourite move is to arc a run into the left-sided channel — as we saw to great effect against Liverpool — but the longer he works with Van Gaal, the more variations he will develop. When he sharpens up his movement and springs a variety of unexpected bursts, the striker’s potential is scary.

FINISHING 9/10

Cool, calm and collected, Martial isn’t fazed when the goal posts are in his eye line. Three of his four efforts in the Premier League have hit the back of the net. He can’t keep up that incredible shots-to-goal ratio, but I’m not surprised he’s been so clinical. He bagged a goal every 203 minutes in Ligue One last season, which was a better return that Rooney, Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao or Juan Mata could muster.

At 19, he’s unburdened by self-doubt. For all four goals, there was no hint of trepidation or hesitancy. He just trusted in his technique and passed the ball into the corner. He has remarkable composure.

ANTHONY MARTIAL FACT FILE:

Full name: Anthony Martial

Birthday: 5 Dec 1995

Height: 1.81m

Weight: 76kg

Former clubs: Lyon (2012-2013) and AS Monaco (2013-2015)

MARTIAL BY THE NUMBERS

4 - The number of goals he has scored after just 75 minutes of playing time from four games. Radamel Falcao took 29 matches last season to reach the same tally

8 - A winger by trade, Martial only started playing as a striker in March, and he has responded in his new role with eight goals in his last 15 matches for Monaco

1 - Only one United striker in the club’s EPL history shares the same explosive start as Martial. Robin van Persie also scored four in his first four games.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for many publications around the world.

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