Anthony Martial Dazzles Yet Again

Anthony Martial for Versus Denmark

Anthony Martial’s star continued to rise and shine on Sunday evening with a stellar display in his first start for France.

Next summer’s Euro 2016 hosts registered a 2-1 victory thanks to Olivier Giroud’s double in the opening six minutes but it was Martial’s guile and pace which was a constant torment for Denmark.

Since his £36 million arrival at Old Trafford Martial has displayed remarkable composure in possession for a 19-year-old, and that was on show once again in the build-up to Giroud’s opening goal. 

The United forward, who operated on the left flank for the 87 minutes he was on the pitch, was allowed too much room to burst towards the edge of Denmark’s area but the weight of the pass into the path of Giroud was perfect, and the Arsenal forward’s scuffed finish squirmed under Kasper Schmeichel.
Martial’s close control at high speed continued to worry the Danish defence and the United forward was France’s only genuine threat with pace from a deeper position behind Giroud.

In the 62nd minute, Martial went close to adding a third for France in a move that was all his own making. Once again, after receiving the ball on the left flank midway in the Dane’s half, the United striker took off at speed and easily glided past Lars Jacobsen. Martial’s bore down on Schmeichel but the Leicester City goalkeeper got down smartly to save the low shot.

Martial was then robbed of registering his second assist of the night. After winning the ball back in midfield, he coolly slipped the ball into the path of Giroud. The Arsenal striker had plenty of time to pick his spot but instead opted to scoop his effort over Schmeichel, and the Denmark goalkeeper was able to save.

The only blot of Martial’s copybook came just before he was substituted. The 19-year-old was found in a bit of space directly on the penalty spot but he cut across his strike and the ball flew over the bar.

But Didier Deschamps would have been encouraged by Martial’s display as he attempts to secure a place in next summer’s squad for Euro 2016. The United forward will get another chance to impress on Saturday as Louis van Gaal’s side face Everton at Goodison Park.