Barcelona youngster may have salvaged his career in pre-season test | OneFootball

Just days ago, Gerard Martin’s future at Barcelona seemed uncertain. With the rapid rise of Jofre Torrents during pre-season, many expected Martin to lose his place in the 2025/26 rotation.

However, the 23-year-old has managed to turn the situation around and he has done it by impressing Hansi Flick in a way that few anticipated.

During Barcelona’s recent friendly against FC Seoul, Flick made a tactical switch that caught everyone by surprise.

Gerard Martin, usually deployed at left-back, was positioned as a left-footed centre-back, a role he had not taken up since joining the Catalan club.

With Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia being rested, Flick handed the role to Martin, while giving the left-back spot to rising star Jofre Torrents.

Martin looked more than comfortable

Despite the change, Martin looked comfortable and composed. His performance at centre-back was solid, as he was sharp in duels, clean with his tackles, and confident bringing the ball out from the back.

Gerard Martin could be extremely useful for Barcelona next season. (Picture courtesy: FC Barcelona Official Website)

He even contributed offensively, delivering the assist for Gavi’s goal, which made it 2-6.

It was not entirely new territory for the defender. At Cornella, a club he played for before joining Barça Atletic, Martin often featured as a left-sided centre-back in a back three, a system that relied on his positioning and vision.

Meanwhile, his 45 minutes against FC Seoul showed that experience is still very much alive.

Improving his offence

It is to be noted that over the past season, Martin has also sharpened his attacking game. Known for his discipline and reliability, he has added more assists to his game and even found the net in Barça colours.

His two assists against Inter Milan last season brought back memories of Jordi Alba in his prime.

Flick now sees Martin not just as a backup full-back, but as a flexible, reliable defensive asset. That versatility may be exactly what keeps him in the squad this season.