Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pleased with veteran Blaugrana star's performances this season: Reports
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is reportedly happy with veteran defender Inigo Martinez's performances this season. The 33-year-old has been a regular starter under Flick, especially since Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen's injuries.
As per Diario SPORT, Flick believes Martinez kept his trust after delivering consistently good performances in Barca's first five La Liga games. The Spaniard also served as a leader in the squad due to his experience and ability to read the game.
Alongside Pau Cubarsi, he has formed one of the best defensive partnerships in La Liga as of now. They have kept one clean sheet in five games, conceding four goals.
Inigo Martinez joined Barcelona from Athletic Club in the summer of 2023 under former coach Xavi. However, he couldn't help the club to the best of his abilities due to an Achilles tendon operation, recording only 20 league appearances in his first season. Moreover, the likes of Araujo and Cubarsi made it to the starting line-up over Martinez in most games.
However, Hansi Flick appears to have faith in the veteran defender as he believes in benefitting from both young and experienced players. Martinez remained crucial for La Blaugrana this season, recording an average Sofascore rating above 7 in their last four games.
Barcelona will next face Monaco away in their UEFA Champions League opener on September 19, before clashing against Villarreal away in La Liga on September 22. Hansi Flick's men had an impressive start to the season so far, after recording five out of five wins in La Liga.
Barcelona forward Ansu Fati back in squad ahead of UCL clash vs Monaco
After spending more than a year away from Barcelona, Ansu Fati has been included in the squad to face Monaco for their UEFA Champions League opener on September 19. Fati spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. He then suffered a pre-season injury shortly after returning this summer, keeping him out of the pitch for almost two months.
However, Fati could now play a key role for La Blaugrana in their upcoming games. Some of their attacking midfield options, including Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, remain unavailable due to injuries. Apart from Fati, La Masia's cousin-duo Guille Fernandez and Toni Fernandez have also been included in the squad.
Flick has been focusing on using multiple La Masia stars in the senior team this season, with some of the senior players being unavailable due to injuries. The German coach has reportedly been following the academy players closely during the pre-season before making his picks.
Meanwhile, another one of Barcelona's crucial players, Gavi, is also reportedly making great progress after suffering from an ACL injury in November 2023. The youngster joined training recently and could reportedly return in October if all goes well.