Grand Torino: Josef Martinez

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Josef Martinez

Age: 22

Club: Torino

Nationality: Venezuelan

Position: Striker

It’s not often you find a 22 year old striker scoring goals in Europe’s top leagues. But here Josef Martinez is, often finding the back of the net for Torino in Italy’s Serie A. The Venezuelan has earned 43 caps since joining the Italian side, and scored four times. After starting his career in Caracas, the striker set his sights on Europe, and landed with Swiss side Young Boys, before making his way to Turin.

For country, Martinez has been similarly prolific, scoring four times in 24 appearances. He made his international debut in 2011 against El Salvador. At 5’6, 156 lbs, the Venezuelan isn’t the most physically dominant specimen, but what he lacks in size, he more than makes up for in ability. Don’t sleep on the diminutive striker this summer. It may come back to haunt you.

How to cite this article: “The Young Guns” Written by Shaker Samman (2016), Copa America Centenario 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/copa-america-centenario-2016-guide/the-young-guns/ (accessed on (date)).