Jon Martin set for starting role as Real Sociedad face Union Berlin

As reported by MARCA, with Igor Zubeldia sidelined by a muscular injury, Martin and Aritz Elustondo remain the only available central defenders for manager Imanol Alguacil, as Jon Pacheco is still committed to the Olympic team. 

The question now is whether Alguacil will extend this opportunity to Martin once La Liga begins.

At just 18 years old, Jon Martin's rise within the club has been nothing short of impressive. His potential is one of the key reasons Real Sociedad felt confident enough to transfer Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid in July 2024.

Martin, who has already made a name for himself in Primera RFEF, the Youth League, and as a regular in Spain's youth national teams, is viewed by many within the club as the next big thing in central defence.

"Martin's physical presence and aggression, particularly in marking and set-piece situations, are already at a high level," noted a club insider. "He's also improved his concentration and ball-playing abilities, which are crucial for a centre-back at the top level."

Despite his age, Martin's credentials are difficult to overlook. His performances in Primera RFEF has shown he could handle the step up to senior football, and now the club are hoping he can replicate that success in La Liga.

Naturally, his youth means there will be challenges, but it's worth remembering that the same concerns were raised when Inigo Martinez and Robin Le Normand first broke into the first team.

As Sociedad prepare for their clash in Berlin, Martin is expected to feature prominently, providing him with another opportunity to prove he's ready for the jump from the B team to the senior squad.

It remains to be seen whether Martin will play on the left side of the defence or if that role will fall to Aritz Elustondo.

With Zubeldia set to be out for several weeks, Martin is also likely to be included in the squad for Real Sociedad's La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano on 18 August at Anoeta.

The big question is whether he will start, and if the club will decide to bring in another centre-back before the transfer window closes, or if they are ready to place their trust in the young prospect from now on.

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