From the bench to the spotlight: How Barcelona defender won Hansi Flick’s trust | OneFootball

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 passes, showcasing his ability to control the game and keep Barcelona’s build-up play smooth.

Inigo Martinez has completed the most number of passes in La Liga. (Stats taken from Fbref)

Right behind Martinez in the passing rankings is none other than his defensive partner, Cubarsi, who has completed 737 out of his 789 passes, giving him a slightly higher accuracy rate of 93.40%.

This shows how the pair has gelled together, consistently connecting passes and making sure the ball flows through the defence with minimal errors.

Compared to other defenders in the league, Martinez’s passing numbers are even more impressive. He has over 100 more passes than Girona’s centre-back David Lopez, who currently sits in third place with a total of 686 passes.

A contract extension on the horizon

In addition to his passing and defensive work, Martinez’s experience and maturity bring a winning mentality to the team.

Despite joining Barcelona on a free transfer from Athletic Club, he has proven to be a valuable asset, fitting seamlessly into Hansi Flick’s system.

Inigo Martinez is a leader. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

His current contract, which runs until June 30, includes a clause for automatic renewal if he plays in at least 60% of the season’s matches, with a minimum of 45 minutes per game.

So far, he has met this requirement in 12 of the 13 matches he has played, putting him well on track for renewal if he maintains this form.

The defender’s influence on Barcelona’s young squad extends beyond statistics. His role as a mentor and leader has helped bring out the best in players like Cubarsi, making the entire defence more cohesive and organised.

While the spotlight often falls on Barcelona’s attacking stars and midfield maestros, Martinez has quietly become one of the team’s unsung heroes.