Newcastle striker Woltemade names one Man United player as the toughest opponent he’s ever faced in the Premier League
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has earned one of the most striking endorsements of his career, and it came from an opposing striker who understands better than most how unforgiving Premier League battles can be. Following Newcastle’s intense showdown with United, Magpies forward Woltemade delivered a candid admission that quickly spread across football circles.
The Newcastle attacker revealed that despite previously testing himself against elite defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, none of them dealt with him in quite the same manner as Martínez. According to Woltemade, this was the first time he had faced a defender who combined ferocity, discipline and anticipation so completely that he was left with no space, no rhythm and no breathing room. Every attempt to impose himself was shut down before it even began.
Crucially, Woltemade was clear about who caused him such frustration. It wasn’t Raphaël Varane, Harry Maguire or Diogo Dalot. It was the Argentine at the heart of United’s defence. From the opening moments at Old Trafford, Martínez set the tone with an aggressive yet controlled display that turned the contest into a personal nightmare for the Newcastle striker. He dominated duels, stepped in front of passes, timed his tackles to perfection and cut off attacking runs before they developed, all while maintaining relentless pressure.
Woltemade, who has spent much of the season overpowering defenders, found himself completely nullified. He later admitted that Martínez seemed to anticipate every movement, as if he knew what was coming before it happened. The numbers backed up that feeling. Newcastle were unable to register a single shot through Woltemade, while Martínez racked up a series of successful tackles, won the majority of his duels, conceded no fouls and remained fully switched on throughout the match. For a striker who thrives on physical contests, it was a long and frustrating evening.
What truly amplified the impact of Woltemade’s praise was the comparison he made. He openly acknowledged the quality of Europe’s top centre-backs but insisted Martínez stood apart. In his words, Martínez doesn’t just stop attackers physically; he drains their belief and confidence as the game wears on. That comment alone sent Manchester United supporters into a frenzy online, particularly given the long-running debate around Martínez’s height. Instead of being judged by his stature, he is now being celebrated for his intelligence, aggression and commanding presence.
Since taking over at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim has made his faith in Martínez abundantly clear. While other defenders have rotated in and out of the side, the Argentine has remained a constant, often serving as the organiser at the back, the first point of progression in possession and the emotional spark that drives the team forward. Against Newcastle, his influence was unmistakable. He repeatedly stepped out of the defensive line to win the ball and immediately turn defence into attack, playing with an authority that set the tempo for those around him.
Fans were quick to react after Woltemade’s comments circulated, with many hailing Martínez as the club’s most formidable defender since the days of Nemanja Vidić. Others pointed out that this is exactly why forwards dread facing him, describing him as small in height but enormous in mentality, a player who embodies the club’s fighting spirit. There is a growing belief among supporters that after battling injuries earlier in the season, Martínez is finally back to operating at his very highest level.
For Manchester United, the implications are significant. With Newcastle effectively shut down and Martínez looking sharp, fit and dominant again, optimism is beginning to return. Defensive solidity appears to be taking shape, leadership on the pitch is becoming more evident and a sense of fear is creeping back into opponents’ minds. Confidence is rising with every performance, and if Martínez sustains this form, United may soon become a side no one relishes facing.
When a Premier League striker publicly concedes that he was outmatched, the message is loud and clear. Lisandro Martínez didn’t merely compete in this duel; he controlled it from start to finish and brought it to an emphatic conclusion. Even rivals are now acknowledging what Manchester United fans already believe — they have one of the most intimidating defenders in England.
