"The departure of Inigo Martinez in the last summer transfer window left a big void at FC Barcelona. After all, the veteran Spaniard was one of the key cogs of the domestic treble-winning team in the previous season. It left manager Hansi Flick with a major task of finding the ideal defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi. Ronald Araujo was tried but did not always work. Eric Garcia did well, but, of late, his presence has been needed in midfield due to injuries."
"Given the circumstances, the Barcelona head coach turned to an unlikely solution in Gerard Martin, and the experiment has worked a treat. Indeed, the 23-year-old left-back has excelled in his new role as the Catalans' left-sided centre-back since last month. Since his first game in the position against Athletic Club, Martin has been a regular starter in the role in seven of nine matches, being benched only against Chelsea and CD Guadalajara."
"How Martin prepared for his new role Now, MARCA has come out with an extensive report shedding light on how Gerard Martin prepared for his role as a left-sided centre-back. It is not an entirely new position for the Spaniard. During his time at Cornella, he often played as a centre-back, although within a back-three where he operated on the left side."
Inigo Martinez's departure created a defensive gap at FC Barcelona and left manager Hansi Flick searching for a partner for Pau Cubarsi. Ronald Araujo was tried and Eric Garcia performed well, but Garcia's injuries required midfield cover. Gerard Martin, a 23-year-old left-back, has been converted into a left-sided centre-back and has started seven of nine matches since his debut in the role against Athletic Club. Martin previously played as a left-sided centre-back in a back-three at Cornella. Pre-season tests revealed strengths in aerial duels, playing out from the back and 1v1 reliability, and Martin completed extra video study of teammates and references.
Read at Barca Universal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]