Argentine national team head coach Lionel Scaloni feels that Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has always remained his main choice in attack, and is happy to see the player succeeding at his club.
Speaking at the FIFA Coach of the Year ceremony, as reported by FCInterNews, the Albiceleste coach stressed that Martinez has always been a player who has everything he looks for in a striker.
Some uncertainty was cast upon Martinez’s status within the Argentina squad at the World Cup, where despite the team winning the tournament, the Nerazzurri striker was benched for much of the tournament.
This led to some questions as to whether Manchester City striker Julain Alvarez, the player who replaced Martinez in the starting eleven, would be the de facto replacement for the 25-year-old.
For his part, however, coach Scaloni has few doubts about Martinez, who has been in outstanding form for Inter since the return from the winter break.
“For me, he’s always been fundamental,” the coach said, “I’m a big fan of him and he’s always been first-choice.”
“At the World Cup he wasn’t at his best, and we had to think about what was best for the team,” he continued.
“He was the first person to understand that.”
Scaloni added that “When we needed him he was always ready to be called upon, his penalty against the Netherlands was vital.”
“Everyone here loves him, and we’re also glad to see him doing so well at Inter.”
