Newly-acquired Guangzhou Evergrande striker Jackson Martinez is reportedly under fire from several members of the Chinese media because of his lackluster performance against South Korea top flight's Pohang Steelers in their 2016 AFC Champions League group stage match on Feb. 24 at the Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou.

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The 29-year-old Colombia international, who was signed by the two-time AFC Champions League winners earlier this month for a then record-breaking deal of €42 million, only had two shots on goal as the Southern China Tigers settled for a 0-0 draw with the K League Classic squad.

"While having to play their first match in an empty stadium wasn't underrated in their draw with Pohang, the form of their big signing Jackson Martinez was unanimously questioned by the Chinese media," said Shao Zhijie, a former Goal China editor, via the A-League's official website.

"Titan Sport described that match as Scolari's 'failed experiment', as the whole team was a tactical failure on that day," Shao added.

Martinez also failed to convert a goal in the five-time Chinese Super League champions' 2-0 win over Jiangsu Suning FC in the 2016 Chinese FA Super Cup, a CSL preseason contest much like what FA Community Shield match is for the English Premier League.

Brazilian teammate Ricardo Goulart, who was Evergrande's high-profile signing last season similar to what Martinez is right now, netted both goals for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side during the game.

Goulart's performance prompted Shao to say that "his brace in the 2-0 win against Jiangsu Suning in the Chinese Super Cup just proved that he continues to be the team's game winner - until Martinez proves his value, at least".

Meanwhile, ESPN reported that Martinez is all set for their second ACL game, this time against Sydney FC, on Wednesday.

The game is said to be crucial for both Guangzhou and Sydney as the two teams have both failed to win their opening games in the group stage, with the Sky Blues dropping a 0-2 game to Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds.

Martinez will need to show up his true form against the Emerald City at the Sydney Football Stadium if the team wants to qualify in the next round and defend their title this year.

TagsChina Football, 2016 AFC Champions League, 2016 AFC Champions League group stage, Guangzhou Evergrande, Jackson Martinez