Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and leading Premier League clubs, yet the 20-year-old says he is content at the club he joined as a youngster. Ahead of Sunday’s Basque derby against Athletic Club, he explained the influence of his coach and his father. According to Skysports.com.
Martin’s loyalty to Real Sociedad outweighs Madrid and Barcelona links
Jon Martin has been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, yet any move will not happen just yet. The centre-back says “I have always said that this is my home.” He has been at Real Sociedad since he was 12, and says the wish to stay comes from within.
Martin is a ball-playing defender with good technical ability and passing range. He made his Spain debut against Iraq in June and could become the long-term partner for Pau Cubarsi in the national team’s defence. Physically, he is a little more imposing than Cubarsi, which adds to the appeal of that pairing.
His numbers support the hype. Martin rates above average in LaLiga on most defensive metrics, which is impressive for his age. He was also one of the heroes as Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey under Pellegrino Matarazzo in April, and the American coach’s more positive playing style has aided his development.
Martin says he is very happy working with Matarazzo, who sees the squad as bold and willing to try daring things. He values the coach’s closeness to the players and the fact that they can trust him. Martin says young players appreciate that, and the trust will be tested at San Mames.
The derby carries extra weight for a homegrown player. Martin has already made five of his first 27 starts for Real Sociedad in this fixture, and he says these matches feel different. He calls it a special game built on true rivalry and tremendous passion, and says the team is planning to win.
His father also played for Real Sociedad before injury cut short his career, and Martin calls him an important pillar. He speaks to him before matches, and his father recommends staying calm before games of this type. Having experienced such occasions, he can talk his son through whatever might happen out on the pitch.
In July, Martin signed a long-term contract that ties him to the club until 2032. Real Sociedad will play in the Spanish Super Cup this winter and are among the favourites to lift the Europa League in May. Martin says “I think everything I need to be able to perform at a top level is here at this club.”
