On the radar
The Venezuelan striker set a new MLS record when he scored his 28th goal of the season for Atlanta against Orlando City.
Martinez had previously matched the record of 27 set by Roy Lassiter in the inaugural MLS season in 1996, and equalled by Chris Wondolowski in 2012 and then by Bradley Wright-Phillips in 2014.
Martinez arrived at Atlanta last year with a mixed record in European football, having failed to shine at Torino and during indifferent spells in Switzerland with Young Boys and Thun.
But Atlanta coach Gerardo Martino was well aware of Martinez from his time in charge of Argentina.
“We knew him well because during Copa America he drove us pretty crazy along with Salomon Rondon up front,” says former Barcelona boss Martino.
“In reality what happened is I had to imagine him as a number nine because I’d never seen him play as a number nine.
“But exactly what I like are number nines who can play and not just finish.
“Josef has 28 goals but also various assists, some really nice assists.”
HENDRIK WEYDANDT (Hanover)
The 23-year-old striker was signed from fourth-tier Germania Egestorf in the summer and scored three goals in his first two games.
AXEL WITSEL (Borussia Dortmund)
The Belgian midfielder joined the growing band of European returnees from the Chinese Super League and announced himself in the Bundesliga with a fine performance in Dortmund’s openinground defeat of RB Leipzig.
ROBERTO PEREYRA (Watford)
The Argentinian was key as Watford won their opening three games of a top-flight season for the first time.
ANDRE SILVA (Sevilla)
The Portuguese striker, who struggled at Milan last season, scored a hat-trick on his debut in La Liga as Sevilla won 4-1 away to Rayo Vallecano.
DUSAN TADIC (Ajax)
The Serbian hit the ground running in Amsterdam following his £10m summer move from Southampton, playing a key role in Ajax’s qualification for the Champions League group stage.
DENIS BOUANGA (Nimes)
The 23-year-old winger, signed by newly promoted Nimes from Lorient in the summer, was outstanding in his side’s 3-1 win over Marseille.
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