Hansi Flick is delighted with the outstanding performances of a key Barcelona defender who has stepped up magnificently during a crucial period.
The setback, which came during the international break, forced manager Hansi Flick to turn to another option on the flank.
Rather than seeing the defense crumble, Hansi Flick has been left genuinely impressed with how the replacement has handled the step up to such a demanding role.
The player in question is Gerard Martin, who has taken up the responsibility of filling Alejandro Balde’s shoes, as reported by AS.
Flick’s trust in Martin has been vindicated by a series of polished and disciplined performances, both in La Liga and the Champions League.
The 23-year-old’s maturity was on full display against Getafe, where he showed excellent composure, recovered four balls, won a foul, and did not commit any himself—a remarkable feat for any defender.
In the Champions League opener at Newcastle, Martin faced a potent attacking side and still managed to impress with his defensive awareness and tactical acumen.
Martin’s path into the starting lineup was not straightforward, as he missed the start of the campaign due to registration delays.
Since his debut this season, however, he has been ever-present, anchoring the left side of defense and proving more than capable of handling top-level opposition.
His consistency builds upon a previous season in which he made 42 appearances, scored once, and provided six assists, attracting attention from Premier League clubs before ultimately choosing to remain at Barcelona.
Flick’s satisfaction with Martin’s contribution is evident, with the coach lauding his reliability and rapid development.
In a period when the club could have been unsettled by the absence of a key defender, Martin’s performances have instead provided much-needed assurance and reinforced Barcelona’s reputation for developing in-house talent.
Flick’s encouragement and tactical support have enabled Martin to seize the moment, making him a vital piece in the team’s plans while Balde recovers
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