Martínez at Corinthians: from hero to question mark | OneFootball

José Martínez’s first half of 2025 at Corinthians has been marked by inconsistency, but the Venezuelan holding midfielder has managed to retain a regular presence in the starting lineup, according to UOL.

Martínez’s performances have swung between promising and underwhelming. The year began on a flat note for the 26-year-old, who struggled to reproduce the dynamic form that characterized his debut season with the club. His low point came in a match against Ponte Preta where he was shown a red card—a decision that drew criticism and highlighted his struggles during that spell.

Despite these setbacks, Martínez’s influence grew during the decisive moments of the Campeonato Paulista. When Corinthians faced Palmeiras in the two-legged State Championship final, Martínez emerged as one of the side’s standouts, contributing significantly in midfield and drawing praise for his resilience.

That upswing proved short-lived. As the year progressed and focus shifted to the national league and other competitions, Martínez’s spot in the starting XI came under intermittent threat. During the final weeks of the Díaz family’s coaching tenure and the brief caretaker spell under Orlando Ribeiro, he found himself on the bench—his only significant spell out of the side so far.

Since Dorival Júnior took over managerial duties, Martínez’s role has become less predictable. Out of 11 games under Dorival, the midfielder has featured in nine, starting on five occasions. Dorival’s preference for rotation and tactical flexibility has meant Martínez alternates between the starting lineup and the bench, reflecting both strategic changes and fluctuating personal form.

Martínez’s uneven club displays have not affected his standing with the Venezuelan national team. He has earned three starts in their four official fixtures in 2025, suggesting that his international role remains stable despite club inconsistencies.

Statistically, Martínez has accumulated 30 appearances in all competitions for Corinthians this season, 20 of them as a starter. His output stands at one goal and two assists—a modest return, but enough to keep him in contention in a squad dealing with both financial constraints and the demands of a congested calendar.

With Corinthians returning to training after a brief break, and Dorival Júnior continuing to rotate his squad as part of a broader youth integration policy, Martínez faces increased competition for regular minutes. The team’s next test comes on July 13, with observers watching closely to see whether Martínez can recapture the consistency he showed in his first campaign.

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