Hat-trick hero Josef Martinez summoned for international duty

Last week we learned about Miguel Almiron’s call-up to the Paraguay national team for the resumption of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. This week it’s another of Atlanta United’s South American Designated Players receiving the call from their national team. Venezuela have called upon Josef Martinez for their upcoming qualifiers against Peru and Chile later this month.

This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given how clinical Josef has been in starting his Atlanta United career. Adding in preseason matches, Martinez has scored a total of seven goals in five matches. The 23-year-old has represented La Vinotinto a total of 37 times, scoring nine times in the process.

Like Almiron, the only match that Josef should be in danger of missing is the away match against the Seattle Sounders on the Friday (March 31) night following the Tuesday (March 28) match day where Venezuela plays Chile. It will all depend on how many minutes he plays.

What do you think about two of the club’s most important players going off on international duty? Worried they could get hurt or happy they’re getting recognized by their countries?