Why Inigo Martinez Would Be the Perfect Signing for Manchester City

Manchester City need a new central defender, despite the signing of Jack Rodwell, and this article will outline why Iñigo Martínez of Real Sociedad is the perfect potential recruit.

With Roberto Mancini switching between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-5-2 formation, a further addition to the central defensive corp is crucial.

This central defender must have specific characteristics to succeed in City's fluid formation. Is there anyone better equipped than Martinez?

Central Defensive Cover

As alluded to in the introduction, the key aspect of Manchester City's next signing is that he is capable in central defence.

Iñigo Martínez anchored an average Real Sociedad defence last season, and while statistics may not flatter him, he was making his breakthrough campaign with the Basque outfit.

Kolo Toure seemed close to a move to Fenerbahce in July; however, he's still on the roster as it stands. Stefan Savic is far from complete and probably needs a loan move to develop—it doesn't look like he's comfortable with the pressure right now.

Versatility

It's very important that Manchester City take on versatile recruits from now on. Roberto Mancini's reputation for being an in-game tinkerer demands for a new player to be comfortable in several roles.

Take Jack Rodwell as an example. Able to play centre-back, defensive midfield or central midfield—an ideal, multi-talented new signing (despite that pass on his debut).

Iñigo Martínez is the same. He's capable in each position Rodwell is but has far more game time under his belt in the past two years.

He'd be excellent in a defensive three alongside Vincent Kompany and could roam forward effectively when City need some "oomf."

Strengths

One of Iñigo Martínez's undoubted strengths is his ridiculous, unnatural aerial ability considering his diminutive stature.

The Spaniard won over half his aerial duels last season despite standing at just 5"11, whilst turning in modest defensive statistics in addition to three goals.

His passing from the back is solid and his inclusion, albeit in an underwhelming Spanish team for the London 2012 Olympics, shows the national team and its hierarchy believe in his potential.

Weakness

Aside from his obvious inexperience—a weakness that can be fixed simply with time—aggression is something Iñigo Martínez should work on.

Is it a byproduct of his overenthusiasm in the aerial dual or challenge? Maybe, but no matter how you look at it, two domestic red cards, in addition to one for Spain at the Olympics, is an unenviable record.

Working with top players and a strict coach should work the kinks out of his game relatively quickly, but it's something any new potential suitor should be aware of.

Conclusion

Manchester City don't need a striker, a full-back or a midfielder—they've got plenty of those.

They've got the central talent to play without wingers and rely on wing-backs, so it's no surprise Adam Johnson has been told he can go should the asking price be met.

Roberto Mancini shouldn't be spending his funds on a winger to replace Johnson (like Scott Sinclair), he should be looking to replace Kolo Toure and allow Stefan Savic some breathing space by recruiting a new central defender.

Iñigo Martínez would be ideal.

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