Ahead of Barcelona’s crucial La Liga match, Hansi Flick is urged to reward Gerard Martin’s excellent form by starting him in central defense alongside Pau Cubarsi against Atletico Madrid.
According to a report from Sempre Barca, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick should select the €12 million-rated defender Gerard Martin to start at left centre-back for the upcoming crucial La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid.
The Catalan club enters the game with a chance to go four points clear at the top, playing ahead of Real Madrid, making the lineup critical.
The article addresses the ongoing defensive puzzle for Flick, who still lacks a first-choice centre-back partner for Pau Cubarsi, replacing Inigo Martinez.
Sempre Barca argues that Martin, despite playing left-back in the past, has proven his value in the center, stating his past two appearances as a central defender were “exceptional and offered a lot of promise.”
The €12 million-rated Spaniard’s ability to bring a “left-footed angle to the back line, much like Inigo Martinez,” is highlighted as a benefit for Barcelona’s ball progression.
While some may expect the inclusion of Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde—the latter having shown “poor form so far this season”—the report advocates for Martin’s inclusion alongside Cubarsi, suggesting Garcia moves to right-back instead.
The opinion piece stresses the importance of form and reward, concluding that the final lineup decision rests on Flick’s judgment:
“Good performances need to be rewarded, and both Gerard and Eric have done enough to convince Hansi Flick that they deserve a start against Atletico.”