24-year-old defender set to return fresh after breakthrough Barcelona season | OneFootball

Gerard Martin will return to FC Barcelona pre-season with something many of his teammates will not have this summer: rest.

The 24-year-old defender was not called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s World Cup squad, despite becoming a regular figure for Hansi Flick during a successful campaign at club level.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Gerard started 41 matches for Barcelona last season, including 26 in La Liga, 12 in the Champions League, and three in the Copa del Rey.

That trust was not accidental. Flick valued his defensive commitment, his understanding with Pau Cubarsi, and his versatility, all of which helped Barca win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.

A summer that could help Barca

Missing the World Cup will naturally hurt any player, especially after such a strong season. For Barcelona and Hansi Flick, though, there is a clear benefit.

Gerard now has the chance to return physically and mentally refreshed. That matters after a demanding campaign in which he became far more important than many expected.

Last summer was very different for him. A hand injury suffered with Spain Under-21s limited his holidays and affected his ability to disconnect and refresh properly.

This year, he has been able to rest, travel, and enjoy time away from football before reporting back to the Ciutat Esportiva on 13 July.

Gerard’s development from the time he broke into the first team to the player he is now is as different as night and day.

There is no doubt that he will continue to be important to Hansi Flick’s plans. Starting pre-season ahead of other players would give him a head start.

Gerard may not have received Spain recognition yet, but his Barcelona role is already clear. If he starts pre-season sharp, rested, and confident, he can again give Flick exactly what he values most: consistency, discipline, and tactical flexibility.