How long and fruitful a Barça career Gerard Martín will have is unknown, but what we do know is that the blaugrana number 18 has had a fantastic 2025. It began with growth and adaptation to having made his mark as a dependable defender in different positions.

51 appearances, close to the most

We can look to the stats to support this claim and there is no need to dig that deep. He has played 2,416 minutes in total, across 51 games, which is only six fewer than Eric Garcia who has played most. What's more and even though it isn't his main role for Flick, he has five goal involvements. He scored one himself on 2 March, the first in the 4-0 win against Real Sociedad. That was his only goal for the blaugranes to date, but he assisted four in 2025, two of which come to mind very easily.

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Constantly developing

The two assists in question came away to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals to help come back from 2-0 down. The outcome wasn't what was wanted in the end, but that game probably had a significant impact on Gerard Martín's career because he has gained importance in Flick's plans ever since.

Firstly because Gerard Martín was used as an emergency solution when Alejandro Balde was suspended or injured, and secondly because he has been converted into a centreback in recent months. The position was not totally unfamiliar to him from his time as a youth player, but in top flight football it has meant take-off for his career.

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One of the best at duels and tackles

He started seven of the last nine games this calendar year, and alongside Cubarsí at the heart of the defence in each one. Whether playing at fullback, or at centre back in particular, his performances have been improving, and 2025 comes to an end with him showing strongly among the squad on several metrics. For example, he has the second highest successful tackle percentage in the team (70%) and is third in the squad for duels won (61.8%).

Gerard Martín has taken on the mantle of a dependable player in this Barça side. Clean when progressing the ball from the back, smart with his positioning and robust in challenges, he has shown that a place in the FC Barcelona first team has to be earned. That is precisely what he has done and 2025 has been his year. Long may it continue in 2026 and beyond.

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