Martin Montoya

ebieymjunior

Senior Member
He makes defending look so easy, but he's not afraid to play physical. Those are what I see in him that Puyol also had, which makes him arguably better than Bartra (defensively) and I believe he has a very high ceiling.
With the right mentality and attitude he can become a very solid defender, even this season.
 

DonAndres

Wild Man of Borneo
People love to doubt him, but he does have potential and I really appreciate his profile as a player. If he develops well and becomes reliable, then that's exactly what we'd need on the right flank.

I've seen a lot of bs about planting random CB's or wingers into our RB position as if having a pseudo-fullback somehow balances our play (in reality it limits our right flank entirely). That kind of move is completely counter-productive, what we want is a fullback that is at home within the defensive line and then can break that when needed to move forward and support in attack: enter improved Montoya.

He may not be Maldini-ing around 24/7 but his sheer presence in defense has a lot of advantage unlike Dani's absence. Him being there means that Pique isn't pulled out of position covering multiple men and multiple zones during counterattacks. He's good on the tackle and with time, will get the composure and self-authority that makes seasoned quality defenders seem like 'walls'. The kid's got quite an impressive leap too: averaging 2.5 aerial duels per game in La liga, more than twice the amount of Masch :)lol:!) and 3rd in our team only behind Puyol and Pique.

In attack he's also capable. He's got solid technique and agility, his main asset is movement and hard work to support the play and add options and balance rather than Dani trying to be an over-imposing dominator. He's got a quick release off the ball and great linkup, his final ball isn't Lahm-esque by any means but it's often threatening and better than Alves' final balls these days (blind cross #149304832). A supporting player in attack that gives us balance on the flank, very desirable when developed.

Lucho will give him a good amount of attention and develop him well as he did with numerous youngsters at Celta (Rafinha, Fontas, Jonny, Costas, Mina, Mallo, Nolito, etc.). Refining his composure in 1v1's and his final product in attack are his biggest areas needing improvement but he can fine tune everything else too with more game time, momentum, and support from the coach. The thing is that I don't trust him as a starter from the beginning of the season (he could win it eventually though), so Alves should stay.
 

ebieymjunior

Senior Member
People love to doubt him, but he does have potential and I really appreciate his profile as a player. If he develops well and becomes reliable, then that's exactly what we'd need on the right flank.

I've seen a lot of bs about planting random CB's or wingers into our RB position as if having a pseudo-fullback somehow balances our play (in reality it limits our right flank entirely). That kind of move is completely counter-productive, what we want is a fullback that is at home within the defensive line and then can break that when needed to move forward and support in attack: enter improved Montoya.

He may not be Maldini-ing around 24/7 but his sheer presence in defense has a lot of advantage unlike Dani's absence. Him being there means that Pique isn't pulled out of position covering multiple men and multiple zones during counterattacks. He's good on the tackle and with time, will get the composure and self-authority that makes seasoned quality defenders seem like 'walls'. The kid's got quite an impressive leap too: averaging 2.5 aerial duels per game in La liga, more than twice the amount of Masch :)lol:!) and 3rd in our team only behind Puyol and Pique.

In attack he's also capable. He's got solid technique and agility, his main asset is movement and hard work to support the play and add options and balance rather than Dani trying to be an over-imposing dominator. He's got a quick release off the ball and great linkup, his final ball isn't Lahm-esque by any means but it's often threatening and better than Alves' final balls these days (blind cross #149304832). A supporting player in attack that gives us balance on the flank, very desirable when developed.

Lucho will give him a good amount of attention and develop him well as he did with numerous youngsters at Celta (Rafinha, Fontas, Jonny, Costas, Mina, Mallo, Nolito, etc.). Refining his composure in 1v1's and his final product in attack are his biggest areas needing improvement but he can fine tune everything else too with more game time, momentum, and support from the coach. The thing is that I don't trust him as a starter from the beginning of the season (he could win it eventually though), so Alves should stay.

Couldn't agree with you more here.
The only problem I have with Alves staying is the fact that he wouldn't want to be kept on the bench.
What I think would be good is that Alves gets sold, and we get Benatia and Marquinhos (and if Alexis is sold Cuadrado).
Marquinhos can play as a right back and had arguably his best game of the season there.
There could be Montoya/Marquinhos and eventually Cuadrado at RB, and with a good preseason, I'm sure they'll get off to a great start.

Edit: completely forgot about Adriano and eventually Ié/Godswill as well.
 
Last edited:

KingMessi

SiempreBlaugrana
If we do end up getting Marquinhos, then he and Montoya can cover the right flank, with Bartra/Ie/Campins, etc. as emergency rightback options. Not to mention the fact that Adriano can play rb if he doesn't get sold.
 
L

Learo

Guest
People love to doubt him, but he does have potential and I really appreciate his profile as a player. If he develops well and becomes reliable, then that's exactly what we'd need on the right flank.

I've seen a lot of bs about planting random CB's or wingers into our RB position as if having a pseudo-fullback somehow balances our play (in reality it limits our right flank entirely). That kind of move is completely counter-productive, what we want is a fullback that is at home within the defensive line and then can break that when needed to move forward and support in attack: enter improved Montoya.

He may not be Maldini-ing around 24/7 but his sheer presence in defense has a lot of advantage unlike Dani's absence. Him being there means that Pique isn't pulled out of position covering multiple men and multiple zones during counterattacks. He's good on the tackle and with time, will get the composure and self-authority that makes seasoned quality defenders seem like 'walls'. The kid's got quite an impressive leap too: averaging 2.5 aerial duels per game in La liga, more than twice the amount of Masch :)lol:!) and 3rd in our team only behind Puyol and Pique.

In attack he's also capable. He's got solid technique and agility, his main asset is movement and hard work to support the play and add options and balance rather than Dani trying to be an over-imposing dominator. He's got a quick release off the ball and great linkup, his final ball isn't Lahm-esque by any means but it's often threatening and better than Alves' final balls these days (blind cross #149304832). A supporting player in attack that gives us balance on the flank, very desirable when developed.

Lucho will give him a good amount of attention and develop him well as he did with numerous youngsters at Celta (Rafinha, Fontas, Jonny, Costas, Mina, Mallo, Nolito, etc.). Refining his composure in 1v1's and his final product in attack are his biggest areas needing improvement but he can fine tune everything else too with more game time, momentum, and support from the coach. The thing is that I don't trust him as a starter from the beginning of the season (he could win it eventually though), so Alves should stay.

Dont forget his shots. They are beyond comprehension.
 

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