There Is Only One Way To Play Martins!

Last updated : 14 May 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

When Alan Shearer brought on Martins against Boro, his timing could not have been better.

The Boro defence had spent an hour under the cosh and their central defenders looked shaky and knackered.

What better time to unleash the Nigerian wizz-kid?

You must play to Martins' strengths, or why bother putting him on the field?

It's not rocket science. Back in 1989 we were relegated because we had the smallest forward-line in the league (Mirandinha, Hendry and Robertson) and spent the whole season sending in high balls into the penalty area.

And it seems the penny has dropped with Martins' international career too.

Nigeria legend Segun Odegbami says the Super Eagles laboured build-up is preventing the Newcastle striker from playing to his full potential when he plays for Nigeria.

Odegbami: "Martins needs balls to be played behind the defence for him to take on defenders.

"But because our build-up is so slow, he does not get the passes he needs and is usually forced to come back and fight for the ball.

"If we had a midfielder like Okocha who has the creativity to open defences with a single pass, Martins would have been able to score more goals.

"Unfortunately, we don't have that and Martins is unable to fit into the team.

"Maybe we need to see the coach convert players to different positions. Lionel Messi is left footed, but he plays on the right. Thierry Henry is right-footed, but he plays on the left.

"Cristiano Ronaldo plays anywhere on the pitch. We need to be able to do the same thing with our players, to use them effectively."