Having pioneered a slew of innovative systems with Everton (the ‘hopelessly isolated frontman’ and the ‘hideously exposed flat back two’ instantly spring to mind) in recent years, it’s largely agreed that Roberto Martinez is one of football’s greatest tactical minds.
Here, we see the young maestro cutting his teeth, down in Division Three in what we think is deepest, darkest 1996 – going on the state of the pitch alone.
The Latics were facing Lincoln City, who had a pesky long throw-in specialist to contend with.
Thankfully, Martinez was able to apply his keen strategic nous and stamp out the threat at source, quite literally…
Roberto Martinez's book "Learn how to defend long throws" is not available in any shops.#WAFC #Imps #Crap90sFootball #Redux pic.twitter.com/MOBYwiXboD
— Crap 90s Football (@Crap90sFootball) March 14, 2017
Textbook stuff.