Flick very happy with Barcelona defender who has stepped up in key player’s absence | OneFootball

Alejandro Balde’s thigh injury earlier this month came as a major blow for FC Barcelona, considering that the youngster was the team’s first-choice left-back and had been in good nick early in the season.

The injury, sustained while training at the club facilities during the international break, sidelined the Spaniard for a little under a month, opening the doors for Gerard Martin to step into the limelight.

Flick pleased with Martin

Having had to replace Balde in the lineup, Martin has done exceedingly well in recent weeks, and manager Hansi Flick is pleased with the 23-year-old, reports AS.

Under the guidance of Flick, the Spanish full-back is developing rapidly as a footballer. The leap in quality he made at the end of last season is now being consolidated at the start of this campaign.

Gerard Martin is impressing in Balde’s absence. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Against Getafe on Sunday, he recovered four balls, won a foul, and did not commit a single one. He controlled his flank, the left, perfectly and stopped every attacking attempt from the Madrid side.

The young full-back has now featured in the last three league matches (he missed the first two due to registration issues) and also played in the Champions League opener away to Newcastle, a tough test which he passed with flying colours.

Last season, he took part in 42 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing six assists. His performances attracted interest from the Premier League, but Martin opted to stay at Barcelona and is now making the most of his chances.

Flick has great confidence in Martin and he is very satisfied with the consistency, reliability, and performances that he has provided in Balde’s absence.