"What began as an experiment is turning out to be a key tactical move for FC Barcelona as Gerard Martin is shining in his new role as the left-sided centre-back. Barça boss Hansi Flick used the 23-year-old left-back in the position during pre-season, due to Inigo Martinez's discomfort and subsequent departure, hinting that the former UD Cornella star could be an option at centre-back moving forward."
"Against Alaves, Martin showed his strong ability to activate the team from the back, something Barcelona had lacked since Inigo's departure. Positionally, he was alert, although he struggled in a few difficult situations, while in the buildup, he became a constant reference point for his teammates, with his pass to start the move for Dani Olmo's first goal being a highlight."
"What surprised Barcelona's staff was how naturally he grasped his new responsibilities. He understood when to break lines, when to speed up and when to pause. The belief at Barça is that the move not only improves the team's play on the left side but also frees Pau Cubarsi to play on his natural right side, which allows a smoother buildup and reduces the need to adjust the defensive structure constantly."
Gerard Martin, a 23-year-old former UD Cornella left-back, has been used by Hansi Flick as a left-sided centre-back after Inigo Martinez's departure. Flick experimented with Martin in pre-season and deployed him in that role against Athletic Club and Alaves, where Martin delivered promising performances. Martin activated Barcelona from the back, became a reliable buildup reference, and set up the move for Dani Olmo's first goal. Coaches praised his positional awareness and his sense of when to break lines, accelerate play, or hold possession. The staff intend to continue the experiment to stabilise the left side and allow Pau Cubarsi to play on the right.
Read at Barca Universal
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