Jon Martin interview: Real Sociedad and Spain defender on why he is staying at his 'home' amid interest from biggest clubs

"I have been here since I was 12," Martin explains on the eve of the derby against Athletic Club. "At the end of the day, the feeling of belonging and of wanting to be here is something I feel from inside. So, as I said, I feel this is my home. It is where I want to be."

The 20-year-old centre-back is aware of the excitement about him. "I think that I am a player that people like," he says, rather modestly. He describes himself as grateful for the interest. In truth, it is an inevitable consequence of his performances for La Real.

Martin is a ball-playing defender with good technical ability and passing range. He made his debut for Spain in the summer and could be the long-term partner for Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence for the national team. A frightening prospect.

Physically, he is a little more imposing than the Barcelona prodigy, rating above average in LaLiga on most defensive metrics - impressive given his age. Martin was one of the heroes as Real Sociedad won the Copa del Rey under Pellegrino Matarazzo in April.

The American coach has been a boon for the youngster, adopting a more positive playing style that has aided his development. Asked by Sky Sports about Matarazzo's role in his career, Martin says: "Personally, I am very happy working with this coach."

He adds: "He sees that we are a very brave team and that we like to do daring things. What I like about him is that he is very close to us and he is a coach that we can really trust. And for young players like me, that is something that we really appreciate."

That trust has been reciprocated and rewarded. It will be tested too when they make the short trip west into the lions' den that is San Mames. Martin feels it more than most. "You have a great feeling for these matches as a homegrown player. They are different."

Despite his young age, he is vastly experienced in these fixtures already. Five of his first 27 starts for Real Sociedad were in this very fixture. "I would invite everyone who has the chance to come watch these matches, in either stadium. The atmosphere is fantastic."

He continues: "The derby is a special match for us. It is true rivalry with tremendous passion. We are really excited for it. With these matches, there is always a lot of feeling behind it. We are getting our mindset together as a team and we are planning to win."

It helps that his father played for Real Sociedad too before injury cut short his career. "My father is an important pillar for me. And I have a father who has experienced this type of situation so he really knows what it is all about to be out there on the pitch.

"I talk to him before the matches so that he can recommend things and he can tell me things. He is someone I can talk to calmly about anything that could happen out there. And so he always tells me to feel calm before this type of match, for example."

For Martin, it is another big game and another chance to grow his burgeoning reputation. There will be other opportunities. Real Sociedad will play in the Spanish Super Cup this winter and are among the favourites to lift the Europa League in May.

It underlines why he is happy to stay. "I think everything I need to be able to perform at a top level is here at this club." And it is why Jon Martin is not looking too far ahead with Athletic Club awaiting. "I have to focus on that. And to offer my best performance."