Hansi Flick should really start €12m-rated Barcelona player in central defense against Atletico Madrid – Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have a huge La Liga game coming up against Atletico Madrid, not just in the context of the match but also the league table. The Catalan club has a chance to go four points clear at the top, playing ahead of Real Madrid.

There is always curiosity about what XI the German manager might select, and he has quite a few options to call upon this time. Perhaps for the first time this season, he is spoilt for choice across the board.

One player Barcelona have failed to replace, many months on from last season, is Inigo Martinez. Hansi Flick still does not have his first-choice centre-back partner for Pau Cubarsi, and there remains a doubt over who starts against Atletico.

At Sempre Barca, we think Hansi Flick should start Gerard Martin at left centre-back, making it his third consecutive La Liga start. His past two appearances as a central defender were exceptional and offered a lot of promise.

The €12 million-rated Spaniard looked much better in central defence than he did at left-back in Blaugrana colours. His attributes seem far better suited there, and Barcelona are able to make the most of his ball-playing abilities.

Gerard brings a left-footed angle to the back line, much like Inigo Martinez, which helps Barcelona progress the ball. He may have weaknesses with balls played in behind, but that can be masked if Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde help him out.

Although common sense might suggest starting Eric Garcia in central defence alongside Cubarsi and using Jules Kounde at right-back, we would go so far as to suggest that Gerard Martin has earned a place alongside the teenager, with Eric shifting to right-back.

Kounde can be an option off the bench, considering his poor form so far this season. Good performances need to be rewarded, and both Gerard and Eric have done enough to convince Hansi Flick that they deserve a start against Atletico.

It remains to be seen whether Flick errs on the side of caution or chooses to be brave with his starting XI against Atletico Madrid.