Despite just two appearances for the Panamian U-20’s and just two appearances for the national team.
When Cristian Martinez, 21, started off his 2018 as a Columbus Crew starter and assist machine, I had a feeling he may get the call for Panama.
https://twitter.com/crewture/status/978730474507001856?
Sure enough.
https://twitter.com/fifaworldcup_es/status/996059628848013313?
Goalkeepers: José Calderón (Chorrillo FC), Jaime Penedo (Dinamo Bucharest), Alex Rodriguez (San Francisco FC).
Defenders: Harold Cummings (San Jose Earthquakes) , Fidel Escobar (New York Red Bulls) , Adolfo Machado (Houston Dynamo) , Michael Murillo (New York Red Bulls) , Roman Torres (Seattle Sounders SC) , Azmahar Ariano (Patriotas FC), Felipe Baloy (Municipal CSD), Eric Davis (DAC Dunajska Streda), Luis Ovalle (CD Olimpia), Francisco Palacios (San Francisco FC), Richard Peralta (Alliance).
Midfielders: Aníbal Godoy (San José Earthquakes) , Cristian Martínez (Columbus Crew) , Ricardo Ávila (KAA Gent), Edgar Barcenas (Coffee growers of Tapachula), Ricardo Buitrago (Municipal CSD), Miguel Camargo (San Martín de Porres University), Adalberto Carrasquilla (Tauro FC), Armando Cooper (University Club of Chile), Gabriel Gómez (Bucaramanga), José González (Union Commerce), Valentín Pimentel (Plaza Amador), Alberto Quintero (University of Lima), José Luis Rodríguez (KAA Gent ).
Forwards: Abdiel Arroyo (LD Alajuelense), Rolando Blackburn (Chorrillo FC), Ismael Diaz (Deportivo La Coruna), Jose Fajardo (CA Independiente), Roberto Nurse (Mineros Zacatecas), Blas Perez (Municipal CSD), Luis Tejada (Sports Boys ), Gabriel Torres (CD Huachipato).
I think Martinez has an unpredictability and improved creativity compared to a lot of Panamanian players.
As a result I would not be surprised if he makes the correct impression and finds his way to Russia.
