Hansi Flick has finally crafted a solution for the injured Alejandro Balde, unlocking a tactical fix to bolster Barcelona’s defense.
The exit of Iñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr left a glaring gap in the left-footed center-back role, forcing Flick to rethink his backline strategy.
As the Blaugrana prepare for crucial fixtures against Girona and Olympiacos, the return of a key player to full fitness has opened new tactical possibilities.
This development, coupled with a bold pre-season experiment, has Barcelona poised to address a critical imbalance in their defense, ensuring resilience in high-stakes encounters.
As per Mundo Deportivo, Alejandro Balde’s recovery has prompted Flick to revisit deploying Gerard Martin as a left center-back.
The 23-year-old, tested in this role during summer friendlies, impressed with his composure and adaptability.
Balde’s return to the left-back slot—where he featured off the bench against PSG and Sevilla—frees Martin to shift centrally, a move that could restore balance to a backline dominated by right-footed defenders like Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araujo, and Andreas Christensen.
Martin’s potential deployment addresses a tactical void.
Without a natural left-footed center-back, Barcelona’s build-up play has occasionally lacked fluidity, as right-footed players struggle to mirror the angles a left-footer provides.
Martin, a La Masia product, brings versatility and a progressive passing range, aligning with Flick’s high-pressing system.
His pre-season performances showed he can handle the physicality and decision-making required centrally, making him a viable option alongside Cubarsí or Araujo.
With youth prospect Jofre Torrents ready to cover left-back if needed, Flick gains flexibility to experiment without risking stability.
The Girona clash will test this reshuffle, with Martin’s role potentially pivotal against Olympiacos in the Champions League.
Barcelona’s defense, bolstered by Balde’s return and Martin’s emergence, signals Flick’s intent to blend youth with tactical ingenuity.
As El Clasico looms, this adjustment could prove a masterstroke, ensuring Barcelona’s backline is both balanced and battle-ready for the season’s defining moments.
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