What Martial Needs To Do To Keep His Place With Sanchez In The Team
Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Anthony Martial has got the talent to become a world beater, but just needs to work on his consistency, according to Craig Burley.
Burley, a former Chelsea midfielder turned ESPN FC pundit, spoke glowingly of the Frenchman’s potential, but admitted that his current challenge is to start fulfilling that potential, starting with a little work on his consistency.
While it is common knowledge that Martial can be one of the most difficult players to play against on his day, there have been numerous occasions where he has gone missing, and just doesn’t look like the kid who lit up the league in his first season at the club two years ago.
He has had to battle it out with Marcus Rashford for the spot on the left flank, and was fighting a losing battle for quite a while, with Mourinho always seeming to prefer the Englishman over him. However, Martial has found his form in recent weeks, and has forced Mourinho’s hand.
The ex-Monaco starlet has bagged three goals in his last three league games, and is racking up some impressive numbers this season, showing considerable improvement on the miserable campaign he endured last year.
Despite his upturn of fortunes recently though, Alexis Sanchez’s arrival has put his place in the starting XI in doubt. The Chilean has already admitted that he would prefer to play on the left, but it might be criminal to drop Martial in this kind of form.
Mourinho has quite some tinkering to do now, but if the 22-year-old can keep putting in consistent performances, then he will undoubtedly become a first team fixture and force Mourinho to play his new signing from Arsenal in another position.
Speaking to The Express, Craig Burley said: “Martial’s got stronger, Martial’s a very good player. He’s a frustrating player because he has got so much talent but he needs to do it on a more regular basis.
“He’s got the pace, he’s got the quick feet, he’s got the ability, he’s got the strength and the power.”