Barcelona academy prospect could benefit from veteran star’s unexpected departure | OneFootball

Gerard Martin playing as a centre-back during Barcelona’s pre-season tour was initially thought to be a stop-gap solution devised by Hansi Flick in light of Inigo Martinez’s fatigue.

The Spanish centre-back’s imminent and unexpected departure, however, proves that it was an audition all along and that the manager was testing the youngster’s ability to operate in a department that can be beneficial for the team.

Over the two games that he did feature in as a central defender, Martin did well to hold his own and can be considered an option in the department for next season.

As relayed by Mundo Deportivo, however, the development benefits a certain La Masia star.

The next young left-back

The Spanish outlet brings to light that Jofre Torrents, who was called up by Flick for the pre-season tour in Asia, could well be the party that best benefits from Inigo Martinez’s departure, for it could open the door to the first team for him.

Jofre Torrents impressed against FC Seoul. (Picture courtesy: FC Barcelona Official Website)

Martinez’s transfer, after all, opens the door for Gerard Martin to play in a central position next season more often.

That movement would mean that the spot to be Alejandro Balde’s backup is now vacant and can be taken by the young talent.

The Catalans’ management was impressed by what they saw of Torrents in pre-season, and his minutes across all three games show the confidence they are willing to invest in him.

Over the three games in Asia, Torrents played over 120 minutes and earned an assist for the first team as well. Not only did he show great defensive coverage, but he also proved to be a superior option to Martin in attack.

The youngster will thus likely continue with the first team next season, although a final decision has not been made about the same. As it stands, Flick will likely make that decision after the Joan Gamper trophy.