The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
MVP Martinez strives to become better
Josef Martinez’s boots read more like his resume.
Or a motivational tool. Written in gold letters, below a flag of Venezuela, on the outsides of the red and black boots are:
2018 MLS MVP 2018 MLS TOP SCORER 2018 MLS CHAMPIONS
Martinez had arguably the greatest season in MLS history last year, a season bigger than his shoes. Had there been room, they could have said more. In addition to the scripted accolades, he was named the All-Star Game MVP, the MLS Cup MVP, set a new regular-season scoring record (31), set a whole-season scoring record (34), and set the MLS record for career hat tricks (6) in less than two seasons.
Oh, and he was rewarded with a new multimillion dollar contract.
But what might his boots have written on them next preseason? How does he top last year?
“The goal is to continue the success that we’ve had here in Atlanta,” he said. “I have a lot of room to improve.”
Yes, but in what area? Let’s start with stats.
Jeff Larentowicz threw out 50 goals as a mark for Josef Martinez to shoot for because of the extra competitions the team may have this season.
That drew a nervous laugh because it would almost double the previous single-season record of 27 held by three players that Martinez broke last season.
“He would say the same thing if he were standing right here,” Larentowicz said in response.
Martinez said he has scored 50 goals in a season before … in PlayStation.
“He’s got to score more goals than Zlatan (Ibrahimovic) this year,” Michael Parkhurst said in a reference to the L.A. Galaxy striker saying he is going to break every MLS record this season. “It would be difficult. That’s the tough part about being No. 1. Everyone is after you. Everyone wants to break your records.”
How can Martinez score even as many as 30 goals this season?
He is not a single-minded, selfish shooter.
He added six assists last season, five more than he tallied in 2017. There were times he could have easily scored but made the pass to an open teammate so they could score.
Though the boots, the numerous changes to his hair style and the tattoos may indicate otherwise, Martinez is not a diva. Usually the lone striker, he will give up yards of space on the field to work back to serve as a passing outlet to help teammates break pressure. He was positioned in the center of the penalty box on opponent’s corner kicks because he can leap like rabbit. Martinez is not one-footed. He scored at least five goals last season with his right foot, left foot and head, which is why he can be so difficult to defend. Can he improve his focus? It will be tough. Martinez has been the focus of every defensive player the past two seasons, but he still produces. The intensity will be even hotter this season.
“Hardtosay how to improve,” Julian Gressel said. “He scored so many goals and has been so important. He will carry the weight again. If he can score important goals again, that will be the big thing that he will be measured on. That’s every for- ward’s life.”
Martinez is a complete striker. But he says there is one area he can improve: His behavior.
He will show anger if he misses even one shot in training. He will show anger if he scores but his team doesn’t win.
“What we’ve seen from Josef is the hunger we’ve seen the last two preseasons,” Parkhurst said. “The new contact hasn’t changed him at all. He’s still out there. He’s probably even hungrier. He wants to prove he is worthy of the status, the money and the recognition he got last year.”
How about wins? Martinez said during training camp that if were to lead Atlanta United to a Champions League title while having a season like last year’s, he should retire.
The important focus of that thought is the team is winning, a tenant from which Martinez has never strayed.
The result may be what’s written on either his red and black or silver boots next preseason.
“The goal is to win,” he said. “If I canscore while we’re doing that, even better.”