In a youthful Barcelona squad, where promising players shine at every corner of the pitch, 33-year-old Inigo Martinez has brought a unique blend of wisdom and experience to the team.
Among the exciting talents of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski in attack, and the skilful midfielders like Pedri, Dani Olmo, and Marc Casado, Martinez stands out as a reliable and calming presence in defence.
His role can best be described as a master guide, similar to a wise mentor who trains the next generation of Barcelona warriors in the art of defence.
In a team as young and dynamic as this, Martinez resembles a “Master Shifu” figure who has not only kept his skills sharp but has also adapted his game to suit the modern pace of La Liga.
Making Cubarsi look like a veteran
Under Hansi Flick, Martinez has defied expectations this season by moving from being a bench player to a trusted starter. His impact on the team is clear, especially in his defensive understanding and leadership qualities.
Inigo Martinez has earned the first-team spot. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
He has formed an impressive partnership with young defender Pau Cubarsi, bringing out the best in his teammate by providing both guidance and stability.
With Martinez as his defensive partner, Cubarsi plays with the confidence and composure of a veteran, showing the positive influence Martinez has on his young teammate.
The 33-year-old’s strengths, however, go beyond just his positioning and tackling abilities. He has showcased remarkable skill in setting up his team’s play from the back, becoming one of the most consistent passers in La Liga.
Defending while distributing
As of now, Martinez has completed an impressive total of 852 passes in the league, out of which 785 were successful, giving him a remarkable passing accuracy rate of 92.13%.
This passing accuracy puts him at the top of La Liga’s rankings for completed…
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/from-the-bench-to-the-spotlight-how-barcelona-defender-won-hansi-flicks-trust/
Author : Swapnil Bhopatkar
Publish date : 2024-10-30 09:00:00
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