No one expected what's going to happen with Gerard Martín, the biggest surprise: 'His last ones...'

Gerard Martín has become one of the biggest positive surprises for FC Barcelona this season. In his first appearances wearing the Barça jersey, he left more doubts than certainties, with even fans openly questioning whether he had the level to play at Camp Nou.

The context wasn't easy: the team was going through doubts, the pressure was enormous, and Gerard Martín had to perform without room for error. However, Hansi Flick decided to keep him in the first team dynamic and handed him the keys to the left flank to show him his trust. Obviously, Balde is ahead, but Gerard, with effort and consistency, is doing better and better.

That trust has translated into an evolution that very few had expected. Gerard Martín no longer looks like a youth player in the adaptation phase, but rather a fully established player at the elite level. In addition, his football maturity has grown exponentially, to the point of becoming a very reliable resource for Flick in any competitive scenario.

As proof, we find that in the last ten matches in which he has played more than 60 minutes, Gerard Martín has delivered a simply spectacular performance. He has improved in defensive concentration, decision-making, and courage when joining the attack, as his ratings show. Above all, what stands out the most is his tactical intelligence, an aspect that has impressed the coaching staff.

A big change is coming for Gerard Martín

The full-back's growth is so evident that Flick has started to seriously consider a position change. On Saturday, against Alavés, Gerard Martín played as a center-back and completed one of his best matches since joining the first team. Solid in duels, aggressive in anticipation, and very precise in building from the back, he gave the image of a consolidated defender.

The experiment wasn't a coincidence, and at the Ciutat Esportiva, it's already being said that Flick is considering making this move permanent. The idea that Gerard Martín could alternate between full-back and center-back opens up a range of very interesting solutions for Barça. In fact, it's most likely that number 23 will play again in the center of defense tomorrow against Atlético.

Nobody expected his progression to be so quick or so consistent. What months ago seemed like a risky bet has now become one of Flick's best decisions since his arrival. Now, Gerard Martín's future is seen in a different light: he's no longer Balde's backup, but a footballer destined to play a very important role.

Whether as a center-back or full-back, Gerard Martín is proving that you don't have to be the best to be important in a group. His work ethic and good performance are gradually paying off. Tomorrow, against Atlético, he'll face a new and important test that he'll surely handle well, as he almost always does.