Lisandro Martinez, Fabio Cannavaro & the best 13 centre-backs under 6ft | Goal.com US

Manchester United have spent big on an Argentine that does not fit the standard defensive mould, but he finds himself in illustrious company

Lisandro Martinez has become another big-money signing at Manchester United, with the Red Devils investing £46.5 million ($56m) worth of faith in the Argentina international. He arrives at Old Trafford with plenty of pedigree, having won Eredivisie titles with Ajax and the Copa America with his country, but questions are being asked of his suitability to life in the Premier League.

That is because the South American stands at just 5ft 9in tall – relatively short for a centre-half readying himself for the physical demands of English football – but he is in illustrious company when it comes to breaking the mould for players in his position.

Among the others to have bucked a trend there are World Cup winners from Spain, Italy, Germany and England, while iconic figures from Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter have also shown that size can be irrelevant when ability takes over. Here, GOAL takes a look at 13 of the best centre-halves under six foot.