Hansi Flick’s short tenure at Barcelona have been marked by a commitment to promoting homegrown talent.
Under the German tactician so far, youth players such as Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Gerard Martin and Sergi Dominguez have all found themselves in the senior team.
One player who has particularly impressed the German coach is the 20-year-old defender, Gerard Martin.
Flick has immense trust in Gerard Martin
Despite limited first-team minutes prior to Flick’s arrival, Martin has quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the squad.
His impressive performances with the reserve team caught the eye of the Barcelona manager, who has shown unwavering faith in the young defender’s abilities, reports Diario SPORT.
Martin’s inclusion in the Champions League A was an indicator of Flick’s trust in the young defender, who likes to operate in wider areas.
His versatility and ability to adapt to different tactical systems have made him a valuable asset to the Barcelona backline.
Martin’s defensive prowess, combined with his precise crossing and attacking instincts, have made him a handy option to have for Flick, especially with Barcelona lacking depth in the fullback positions.
The defender has displayed a maturity beyond his years, consistently delivering solid defensive performances and contributing effectively to the team’s attacking play.
Going forward, Martin could prove to be a valuable alternative for Alejandro Balde in the left-back position. It will be interesting to see whether or not the youngster can operate on the other flank as well, especially with Hector Fort struggling to earn minutes.
As Barcelona continue their transition process under Flick, early green shoots in Martin’s progression should be a promising sign for the club.
