After more gradual integration, including over the weekend, a big step was taken on Thursday.
In the session, with the numbers swelled by a sizeable contingent from the Academy, in addition to the first team, he walked out to limber up with another broad smile on his face.
A handshake and hug with head coach Amorim followed, before he made his way into a group of five, formed in a circle and keeping the ball off the ground. Fellow South Americans Casemiro and Ugarte were there, along with Diogo Dalot and Benjamin Sesko.
In the late October sun, there was a positive vibe throughout, strengthened by the run of three successive wins, but our eyes were focused primarily on Licha. The defender is certainly a big presence and an experienced figure.
As one of the natural leaders, he helps sets the standards and was first tasked with a role in a game played with small goals. Martinez played deep, protecting and shielding the tiny target as the last man.
There was a familiar sense of his controlled, calm passing ability, with both feet, as he lined up with Leny Yoro and one moment where he sprung forward to hunt the ball like we have seen so often since he joined from Ajax.
