"I have always said that this is my home." That is the response when talking to Jon Martin about life at Real Sociedad. He has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. But any move will not happen just yet.
"I have been here since I was 12," Martin explains on the eve of the derby against Athletic Club. "At the end of the day, the feeling of belonging and of wanting to be here is something I feel from inside. So, as I said, I feel this is my home.
It is where I want to be." The 20-year-old centre-back is aware of the excitement about him. "I think that I am a player that people like," he says, rather modestly. He describes himself as grateful for the interest.
In truth, it is an inevitable consequence of his performances for La Real. In July, Jon Martin signed a long-term contract with Real Sociedad that ties him to the club until 2032. Martin is a ball-playing defender with good technical ability and passing range.
He made his debut for Spain in the summer and could be the long-term partner for Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence for the national team. Physically, he is a little more imposing than the Barcelona prodigy, rating above average in LaLiga on most defensive metrics - impressive given his age. Martin was one of the heroes as Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey under Pellegrino Matarazzo in April.
The American coach has been a boon for the youngster, adopting a more positive playing style that has aided his development. Asked by Sky Sports about Matarazzo's role in his career, Martin says: "Personally, I am very happy working with this coach." He adds: "He sees that we are a very brave team and that we like to do daring things. What I like about him is that he is very close to us and he is a coach that we can really trust.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
