Former Inter, Fiorentina, and Atletico Madrid defender Michele Serena feels that Nerazzurri striker Lautaro Martinez showed that he can be decisive and play an important role for Argentina even when he is out of form against the Netherlands.
Speaking to Italian broadcaster 1 Station Radio, via FCInterNews, Serena praised the Nerazzurri striker for having the mental strength to come off the bench, help see out the match, and score the decisive penalty during a tournament where he has been far from his best.
Martinez was once again left on the bench by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni in favour of Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez.,
However, the 25-year-old was called on as a substitute during the second half.
After Martinez came off the bench, the match was certainly eventful, as the Dutch scored twice late on to force extra time, in which Martinez’s energy and workrate were invaluable to the Albiceleste.
In the end the match went to penalties, with the Inter striker scoring the decisive spot kick, showing that even when he is out of form he has an important role to play for his national team.
“I think it’s just a negative period in form for him,” Serena said of Martinez.
“He’ still played his part, he helped his team in many matches, even though he hasn’t started the last couple.”
“So he’s already on the right path to get back in form and leave his mark once again,” he noted.
“Romelu Lukaku also failed to make an impact and to take advantage of the opportunities he had in his last match at the World Cup with Belgium,” Serena contrasted with Martinez.