‘I’m happy with how much he’s grown’… Hansi Flick delighted with 23-year-old Barcelona full-back’s progress | OneFootball

One of the reasons why FC Barcelona has been such a formidable side this season is their squad depth. Despite initially being considered as inadequate, the team’s rotational players have stepped up this season. Thanks to that elevation in quality, Barcelona has been much more consistent lately.

For Hansi Flick, moreover, that is even better news as players can push each other to be better as well. After all, it is no secret that the German coach has some extremely demanding tactics that require a lot of intensity and energy from his players throughout the season.

However, while some players take issue with a lack of opportunities, others make the most out of what is handed to them. While there are players like Ferran Torres who can showcase their efficiency through goals, others have a more measured approach.

One such player is 23-year-old Spanish left-back Gerard Martin, whose professional attitude has earned him Hansi Flick’s trust and praise. Following his recent performance in Barça’s 4-0 win over Real Sociedad, he got praised by the head coach of the team as well.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Flick praised the fullback’s overall performance even aside from the opening goal that he scored for the team:

“We’ve seen it, he did extraordinarily well, and not just because of the goal, which makes us very happy. He deserves it because he’s improved a lot, even with the ball. He’s a player who knows how to position himself, and I’m happy with how much he’s grown.”

A player previously trusted a lot by former Barca Atletic coach Rofa Marquez, Martin’s quick progression to the first team comes as a result of his humility and commitment to the cause. Despite being a back-up option to Alejandro Balde, he has made a good place for himself in this squad.

To best understand the kind of situation he is in right now, one can just look over at the other flank of the defense. Jules Kounde, Barça’s primary right-back, has played 3275 minutes this season and is Flick’s most used outfield player. Balde, on the other hand, has only played 2637 minutes thanks to the competition and cushion that Martin’s presence provides.

Moreover, the club seems to reflect Flick’s trust in the player as well. After all, his contract was renewed in 2025 and it will now see him remain committed to Barcelona until at least 2028. That renewal in itself was about more than just continuity, it was also about the club’s willingness to trust in his ability as well.