Gerard Martin, Barcelona player
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Barcelona have relied on several young players to go through a demanding season, but few could have predicted just how important Gerard Martin would become for the team under Hansi Flick.
The 24-year-old defender was not among the most talked-about names to emerge from La Masia.
Compared to many of his teammates, Martin’s rise has been slower.
However, over the course of the season, he has developed into one of the most dependable players in Flick’s squad.
Initially, Martin was mainly used as a rotation option whenever Alejandro Balde was unavailable at left-back.
His role at that time was to provide defensive cover and help maintain stability when Balde was resting or unavailable.
But circumstances have gradually changed his role.
This season, injuries across Barcelona’s defence have forced Flick to explore different solutions.
With players such as Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo and Balde missing matches at different points of the season, the Barcelona coach made a strong decision.
Flick converted Gerard Martin into a centre-back, and the decision has proven to be extremely effective.
Gerard Martin, Barcelona player
Gerard Martin is more than just a rotational player. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Martin has not only adapted to the new role but has improved with each appearance. In recent months, he has actually been seen more frequently in the centre of defence rather than in his natural full-back position.
What makes his performances even more remarkable is a statistic that has caught the attention of many observers.
Barcelona have won every match in which Gerard Martin has started as a centre-back this season.
So far, the defender has started 14 games in the middle of defence, and Barcelona have won all 14 of those matches.
Whether partnering with Pau Cubarsi or Eric Garcia, the results have been perfect.
Interestingly, the trend becomes even more noticeable when looking at his appearances in other positions.
In the most recent match where Martin played at full-back, against Girona, Barcelona suffered a defeat.
However, Barcelona’s current injury situation could soon change how he is used once again.
With Balde currently dealing with an injury and Jules Kounde expected to miss several weeks, Flick may have to shift players around in defence.
That could see Martin returning more frequently to the left flank, with Joao Cancelo potentially occupying the right-back role.
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona fans
FC Barcelona fans