Roberto Martinez has compared Nico Paz to Diego Maradona after the Argentine inspired Como to a stunning 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester United.
The 22-year-old was named Player of the Match on Wednesday, scoring twice and setting up another as Cesc Fabregas’ side swept aside the Premier League giants at the Sinigaglia.
Working as a UEFA Technical Observer, Martinez was full of praise in an analysis on UEFA’s official website.
“He executed two goals and an assist in the first three goals. That’s star material,” the former Belgium coach said. “It was like watching Maradona, watching that type of player that gets the team on his shoulders.”
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 06: Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Martinez on Nico Paz: ‘The execution was perfect’
Nico Paz opened the scoring inside two minutes and then set up Tasos Douvikas early in the second half, his third assist of the league phase. His second goal came from Fabregas’ high press, as he robbed Carlos Baleba and ran 25 metres before finishing.
“I love Nico’s clinical touch. He’s a wonderful footballer with great balance and likes to have the ball in close control,” said Martínez, who led Portugal to Nations League glory in 2025. “You could see the space that he had. The execution was perfect.”
OCTOBER 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Como 1907 and Manchester United at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 21, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It caps a superb few weeks for Paz, who recently scored in three successive friendlies for Argentina.
“It’s one of the most special nights in my life, in my career,” the Como star said. “Not only for me but also for the club and the fans.”
Paz was left out of the Como starting XI for Saturday’s home game against Sassuolo.