Maloney will stay focused, says Martinez

WHEN Roberto Martinez claims Shaun Maloney has always been different, he means it as a compliment. Forget the Scottish footballing stereotypes of fighting spirit. It was Maloney’s calm intelligence that always stood out to Martinez. Right from the moment he faced him as a Motherwell player back in 2001.

Then an 18-year-old emerging through the ranks at Celtic, Maloney went on to become part of the Wigan side that were guided to FA Cup glory by Martinez in 2013.

That partnership has since been renewed. Now they will provide the brains behind Belgium’s bid to top Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifying group.

Martinez sees no issue with Maloney plotting the downfall of the nation for whom he won 47 caps. Doing things his own way has always been a strength.

‘I arrived in the British game in 1995,’ recalled Martinez. ‘When you look at it, there are certain individuals who stand out because they are not the normal players brought up in the British structure.

‘Shaun wasn’t built in a system. He was built on an appreciation of space and his technical ability. He caught my eye straight away. He looked different to what was around him.

‘When we started working together at Wigan, I realised he was a deep thinker. He had incredibly high standards and was someone who was ready to mature.

‘Shaun has a great mind for detail. He is very natural on the training ground and has a kind feeling for all the players.

‘Over the course of his career, he has developed an incredible understanding of how a footballer’s brain goes through different situations.

‘He understands what it is like to go away from your comfort zone and perform in international football. That was always a big enjoyment in his career.

‘He brings a lot to the staff with Belgium.’

Maloney was appointed as Martinez’s second assistant in September, although the subsequent departure of Thierry Henry to Monaco is likely to increase his responsibility.

Henry was involved when Belgium lost to his native France in the World Cup semi-finals during the summer.

Now Maloney will be in a similar position when Scotland take on the side topping the FIFA rankings next June and September.

‘The big advantage for Shaun is that he has already done that,’ insisted Martinez, reflecting on September’s 4-0 friendly win at Hampden. ‘His debut was against Scotland.

‘I think it is easier now for him to focus on his role and be very professional. He can do his job without thinking about the emotional side of facing the nation he played for. Shaun will have no problems.

‘We have had different situations where many members of the staff have had to face their original nation.

‘It comes down to being very focused on your role and just helping the players to try to win a football game.

‘I don’t think the personal side comes up until after the game, to be honest. Thierry is an iconic figure for France and had to face them in the semi-final. But he has been such a professional throughout his career. He has the kind of brain that allows him to focus.’

Martinez (below) thinks the same of Maloney. So does that mean the Scot has what it takes to be a manager himself some day?

‘Yeah, but I don’t think anyone is worried about that,’ added Martinez. ‘It’s just about enjoying each step and the intensity of his current role is what matters just now.

‘Football is about the present. When you start thinking too much about what might happen, you are going to get it wrong.’

Martinez also backed Dedryck Boyata to play a key role in Belgium’s Euro 2020 campaign. Subject of a failed bid from Fulham last summer, the Celtic centre-back can agree a pre-contract with interested clubs come January. ‘I think it was very challenging for him in the summer,’ said Martinez. ‘Remember that players are allowed go through these situations where, as a human being, you think about possible options for the future. ‘He has an incredible maturity and has a big role

for club and country.’