Anthony Martial is 'more explosive and sharper' than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry - French coach
On arriving at Manchester United Anthony Martial drew glowing comparisons with Thierry Henry but one leading coach has claimed that the youngster has strengths beyond the Arsenal legend.
The 19-year-old striker arrived at Old Trafford under the glare of a transfer fee that could potentially reach £58 million. However he set about immediately dispelling doubters and living up to expectations, scoring four in his first four games for Louis van Gaal.
Though he has only managed one more in his past 12 appearances, many stationed out on the left wing for United, he is still thought of highly by club and country – and comparisons with Henry make clear how high expectations are for the forward.
Christian Damiano, who was an assistant to Gerard Houllier at both Liverpool and the famed French youth sides of the late 1990s, believes that Martial is more “explosive” and lively than Henry.
Speaking to France Football Damiano echoed those who have expressed the comparisons between the two former Monaco strikers.
He explained: “They both have the capacity to be a constant threat, to knacker you out. For defenders, it’s hard to follow them for 90 minutes.
“Then, in their gait and their way of running, there are real similarities. Like Thierry, Martial has this slender, relaxed and fluid side of him. It’s so obvious as soon as you see him on the pitch.”
Martial has already earned six caps for the French national team and Damiano sees areas in which the United man has the edge over Henry.
“Martial is way more comfortable than Thierry in small spaces and even with his back to goal,” he explained. “I find him, for example, more explosive, sharper, more lively over two or three metres and in his changes of direction.”
“Titi’s (Henry) game was more ‘control, push the ball forward, then accelerate’.
“Even if it was his natural role at first, he quickly realised he wouldn’t be an out-and-out striker, that he would feel better on the left to have more freedom, space and efficiency, to express himself better and cut in on his right-foot more easily. Basically, make it easier to score or assist.”
ArticleMartial 'more explosive and sharper' than Thierry Henry - DamianoThierry HenryAnthony MartialArsenalManchester UnitedAnthony Martial is 'more explosive and sharper' than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry - French coachArsenal youngster Alex Iwobi credits Thierry Henry for his match-winning display in Uefa Youth LeaguePublishedImageMedium width4Thursday, December 3, 2015 - 07:06Martial matters: The United striker has made a big impressionOn