“We are bringing in Jakub because he is reliable in defensive duties and confident in duels, which he knows how to win. He is also very effective in set pieces on both ends of the pitch,” says Sparta’s interim sporting director Tomáš Sivok.
Martinec started playing football in his native Vysoké Mýto, from where he moved to the Hradec Králové youth academy at the age of thirteen. He gradually worked his way up to the first team, where he made his debut in the second division in the spring of 2018 and later became captain. His performances in 2020 paved the way for him to join the first division club Jablonec.
He played 158 competitive matches for Jablonec. Thanks to his physical fitness and ability to lead the team, he has built a reputation as a reliable center back. Martinec excels especially in one-on-one situations and heading. He is also valued for his character and ability to take responsibility in difficult moments, which he demonstrated in Jablonec as one of the leaders in the locker room.
In the last Chance Liga season, he was among the top four players in terms of balls won and was also in the top 10 in terms of total passes. He was also among the best in terms of aerial duels won.
Due to the closed UEFA roster, he will not be able to play in the fall matches of the Conference League. However, he will be ready to help the team cope with the demanding schedule in domestic competitions.
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