Western Sydney Wanderers marquee star Nicolas Martinez says he's starting to find his feet in the A-League after impressing in his starting debut.
The 29-year-old Argentine playmaker needed less than two minutes to make an impact in his first start in five months, setting up Brendon Santalab on Saturday for the opening goal against the Central Coast Mariners.
The Wanderers let their lead slip and went on to draw the match 1-1 but, for Martinez, who is on loan from Greek club Olympiacos and still acclimatising to Australian conditions and the combative nature of the A-League, it was a pivotal moment.
"After this match, I feel like I can do it in this position," Martinez said.
"I feel comfortable with the running part, physically, with the ball, with the rhythm.
"I'm happy the coach has given me the trust to start.
"Maybe in the beginning, it was difficult but now I'm getting fitter day by day.
"I'm not 100 percent yet but I'm working to try and be there as fast as possible."
Martinez lasted only 60 minutes against the Mariners but should be better for the run and is expected to retain his spot for Sunday's away trip to the Perth Glory.
Both sides are coming off deflating results, with the Glory having been thoroughly outplayed in a 2-1 defeat to Brisbane.
"It's going to be a difficult match. They're going to be physically strong, which is why we have to be mentally prepared," Martinez said.
"Sometimes, we have to be more patient with the ball, don't lose it so easily and be more compact when we have the ball.
"Match by match, we're going to improve a lot."
