Thiago Martins [Defender]
- Thread starter LionNYC
- Start date
RunningWise
Registered
Since it’s the offseason and there’s not much to discuss, I figured I’d ask for thoughts on something I’ve always wondered about.
When we play pressing teams, Martins will often hold the ball and wait for the opposing attackers to fully commit. Once they do, he suddenly surges forward into the space behind the press, dribbling to about five yards short of the center line. At that point, he slows down, points at the ball with both hands, and starts shouting at the midfielders in a way that makes it look like he’s furious that no one is showing for the ball.
What usually happens next is the interesting part: almost immediately after the pointing and yelling, he slips a clean through ball to an open midfielder.
So what do people think, is the whole shouting routine an act, a way to sell that he’s trapped and bait the opposition into overcommitting and leaving their marks? Or is it just Martins being grumpy and genuinely annoyed that he had to carry the ball forward himself?
He does it so consistently that I’m starting to think it’s intentional, Martins’ version of Chanot’s “head injuries.”
When we play pressing teams, Martins will often hold the ball and wait for the opposing attackers to fully commit. Once they do, he suddenly surges forward into the space behind the press, dribbling to about five yards short of the center line. At that point, he slows down, points at the ball with both hands, and starts shouting at the midfielders in a way that makes it look like he’s furious that no one is showing for the ball.
What usually happens next is the interesting part: almost immediately after the pointing and yelling, he slips a clean through ball to an open midfielder.
So what do people think, is the whole shouting routine an act, a way to sell that he’s trapped and bait the opposition into overcommitting and leaving their marks? Or is it just Martins being grumpy and genuinely annoyed that he had to carry the ball forward himself?
He does it so consistently that I’m starting to think it’s intentional, Martins’ version of Chanot’s “head injuries.”
First, I never noticed that but as soon as I read your description I could call up memories of him doing that.
Second, no idea really but my guess is he's of the mind that if you're going to communicate on the filed be demonstrative and loud. I think he wants a near outlet even when he doesn't need it, and pointing and yelling gets it done.
I know what you are describing and think it is possible that it is both. I think there is enough evidence that Martins is willing to yell at his teammates, appropriately or not. There is also evidence that he uses his mouth to get under the skin and manipulate opponents. So I'm voting that he does it both ways. The best fakes are the ones that are sometimes real.
