Gerard Martín has never lost a La Liga match when starting as a left-sided center-back for Barcelona. This impressive record comes at a crucial moment, as the Blaugrana could clinch the title in El Clásico.
Twenty-three league starts, 22 wins, and just one defeat. Gerard Martín is not merely a lucky charm but has established himself as a key asset for Hansi Flick. Initially deployed as a left-back, the academy product from Cornellà has become indispensable in central defense, earning widespread recognition in that role.
A Revelation at the Heart of Defense
Quietly, Martín has amassed 90 appearances for Barcelona. However, his path hasn’t been smooth. The left-footer was long overshadowed by Iñigo Martínez and mainly featured at left-back, where his defensive profile raised doubts. A naïve challenge on Denzel Dumfries against Inter just before Francesco Acerbi’s equalizer in the Champions League semifinal second leg didn’t help his case—the contact was clear, but he lacked the cunning to draw a foul that might have sent the team to the final against PSG.
Despite that, Flick stuck with the Catalan, especially after Martínez’s move to Al-Nassr. While Alejandro Baldé was sidelined with a thigh injury, Martín continued covering left-back, while the center-back pairing constantly changed. Following the heavy 4-1 defeat in Sevilla, where he was substituted at halftime, he has settled as a left-sided center-back, allowing Pau Cubarsí to solidify on the right. His ball-playing ability, which convinced the coach to give him a starting role, coupled with his defensive solidity (he engages in few duels but usually wins them), has helped stabilize the defense. The proof? He has never lost a league match when starting as a center-back. And when Barcelona lost 2-1 in Girona, he played… as a left-back—a telling detail. Thus, in 17 starts as a center-back, his numbers are impressive: 17 wins, 10 goals conceded, and 10 clean sheets.
Of course, there is still room for improvement, particularly in consistency during high-stakes games. He needs time to cement himself in big Champions League nights, though his record this season is acceptable (7 starts as center-back, 5 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). If Cubarsí is the pillar of the Blaugrana defense, his five-year-older partner is the ideal complement. The more they play together, the better their understanding will become.
The 2026-2027 season must be the one for his confirmation and growth. In domestic competition, Martín has already shown he is more than ready, and his quiet demeanor off the pitch does not stop him from shining at a club of this caliber.
Fútbol, LaLiga EA Sports, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, FC Barcelona, El Clásico