Anthony Martial ripped by Greek media after AEK Athens debut as former Man Utd forward delivers 'tasteless' performance

AEK Athens made a bold statement this summer when they signed Martial, offering him the most lucrative contract in the club's history. After leaving Manchester United in the summer transfer window, Martial was seen as a marquee signing who could provide the firepower needed to push the team to new heights. However, his delayed arrival and underwhelming debut have left some questioning whether he can live up to the lofty expectations.

In a highly-anticipated match against PAOK, the 27-year-old finally donned the yellow and black of AEK Athens, stepping onto the pitch in the 76th minute as a substitute for Levi Garcia. He managed just four touches of the ball, losing possession once and failing to win either of his duels. Although he completed two accurate passes, his overall performance was a far cry from the player who famously announced himself to the footballing world with a stunning solo goal against Liverpool in 2015.

Greek media were quick to react to Martial's underwhelming debut, as journalist Kostas Kofinas, writing for SDNA, did not hold back in his criticism of the Frenchman's performance, describing it as "colourless, odourless, and tasteless."

"How was Martial's debut in the Greek league?" Kofinas wrote. "The French forward played as a substitute for about 20 minutes, while his participation can be described as ‘colourless, odourless, and tasteless.’"

Despite the harsh criticism, it was acknowledged that Martial has been out of action for an extended period and that patience will be needed as he works his way back to full fitness.

“Obviously, they are all obliged to wait for the highly paid, but out-of-form footballer," he added.

“Almeida threw Martial into the battle without having prepared him in the ideal way: Without a match against the B team of AEK. Not even in a friendly did he get to know his teammates in match conditions and the result was the confirmation that he needs more time for them to learn him and for him to learn them. Patience!”

While Martial's debut may have been disappointing, it is too early to write him off. The 27-year-old forward has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, and AEK Athens will be counting on him to rediscover that form as the season progresses. With time and match fitness, Martial has the potential to become a key player for the Greek side and justify the investment the club has made in him. He might get his next opportunity on Sunday evening against Atromitos in the Greek Super League.