For a few years, Roger Martínez’s return to Racing seduced fans with the promise of goals and good football. It was not an easy task, not only because of his salary, but also because of the value of his chip. All of this was made easier when he was released from América de México last June and arrived at the Academy to fight for the cup as a star reinforcement.
His arrival was promising. Attitude, determination and goal in the second leg of the round of 16 against Atlético Nacional. The forward started hard at the Academy. Reference in post-match statements and hope for the academic people. However, a muscle injury that occurred in that same match kept him away from the courts for a few weeks.
Roger Martínez in Racing and his lack of goal. Photo: Racing Press
Since then, the same Roger Martínez was not seen again with the Racing shirt. In the first instance, it took him several games to get back into the football rhythm. On the other hand, he did not arrive at the best collective moment, since he landed in one of the worst Racing of the last decade.
Roger Martínez, more second striker than scorer
His arrival promised goals, but he only scored one in the League Cup. The appearance of the Academy striker was against Godoy Cruz after a weak and responsible shot by the rival goalkeeper, marking the tie after 91 minutes of play. Today it has already been four dates without transcending the resultor, although from the game it is evident that he is a quality player. At least for moments.
It is not entirely clear if it is a low level of the footballer or if the team’s weak idea of the game works against him. To consider, comes from several months of inactivity from America to Mexicoa football with less friction and competitiveness than the Argentine. The truth is that Roger Martínez seems not to be favored by the tactical scheme of this Racing.
Although it is true that the forward’s memories at the Academy invite us to think of a pure-bred scorer. In recent months he has proven to be a player who is more of a playmaker than a natural finisher.. He does not have 9 movements, per se, he is rather a kind of second striker, who turns to the sides to generate space in the area.
His face shows it. He doesn’t negotiate anything. But he seems uncomfortable on the playing field. However, The lack of forwards in the Academy leaves him as the only reference in the area. A position that does not convince him. Much less if she never makes it clear to him. ANDDuring his time in Mexico, where he played five years and participated in 144 games, he only scored 28 goals and provided 15 assists.
Without a doubt, a low scoring average for a powerful and high-quality forward that the Academy has today. But he does not stand out for being an area 9 with the arch between his eyebrows. However, Racing needs goals and must wait for the midfielders to step into the area. In fact, the scorer of this tournament is not even a starter: Baltazar Rodríguez with four goals.
Only time will tell if this is a bad stage or if an area reference is needed to share the offensive. In fact, during his time in Mexico he shared that reference with the historic Mexican artilleryman, Henry Martin. Maximiliano Romero could easily occupy that role, although the truth is that he would leave the substitute bench without alternatives. Today, Roger Martínez has to disguise himself as something he is not: a scorer.
2023-10-29 04:53:51
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