Inigo Martinez has been one of the revelations for Barcelona in this new season, enjoying a rapid turnaround of fortunes under new coach Hansi Flick.
In light of Barça’s successful start to the season, much of the praise has gone to the attacking lineup, including the likes of Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal.
But Martinez has emerged as an unsung hero of sorts, offering stability and leadership at the back, which has helped Barcelona remain resilient in defence.
Hansi Flick delighted with Martinez
As reported by Diario SPORT, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has expressed his immense satisfaction with the performances of Inigo Martinez.
The German coach believes his trust has been repaid by the veteran centre-back, who has played every minute of the season so far.
Martinez’s struggles under former coach Xavi last season, largely due to an Achilles tendon operation, are now a distant memory.
Although he was requested by Xavi last season, Martinez has come into his own under Flick’s system. His 450 minutes across the first five league matches highlight just how important he has become to the side.
Under Flick, the defender has not only returned to being fit but is now an indispensable part of the setup.
Flick, who prioritizes a balance between youth and experience, has relied heavily on Martinez to provide stability at the back.
The former Athletic Club defender has also demonstrated great leadership at the back, which has allowed the young Pau Cubarsi to be more expressive with the ball.
His ability to read the game and his strong ball-playing skills from the left profile have added significant value to Barcelona’s build-up play.
Not to mention, Martinez’s superb performances have helped Barcelona soften the impact of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo’s injuries. The two defenders, in fact, could face a difficult time getting into the starting eleven once they return from their respective injuries.
