18 - Gerard Martín

xXKonan

Senior Member
I view Martin as an old school LB, he's tidy on the ball and has a good cross in him, but he's just not agile and fast enough to run the flanks on his own, and he knows it, going by his actions. He's careful where he picks and chooses his runs so he doesn't leave the left side exposed at the back.

It's a problem when you desperately need width and need him pushed forward a lot, and one mistake he gets burned. From what I've seen at CB you can see his intelligence and looks very comfortable in and out of possession.

I need to see more of him as an LCB to get a better reading as Bilbao were complete shit going forward but he seems very comfortable at least though.
 

khaled_a_d

Senior Member
Martin is fast in terms of top speed, he is simply a stiff player who lacks lateral quickness.

He can return fast if needed, but ask him to change directions and he will fall on his face.

He is just a smart player and fairly cautious while being a hardworking one, you add the facts that he is a big guy with one of the team's highest top speed and you you can see why Flick has preference for him.

However, in a better financial situation you should absolutely go for someone who actually has some talent and can carry the ball and make a pass in tight space.

If he keeps the fight in him, he will have avery decent career, that likely no one expected him to have.
 

Porque

Senior Member
Don't expect miracles but I think he can and will give a very solid season when needed at CB. And very in the short term be a solution (so this season) before getting found out like that Madrid guy Asensio.

He has the characteristics to play there, and indeed started his career there.

Puyol, Abidal, Mathieu... You just made the list. And if you can be half as good as that trio then Flicky just stumbled on another wee chess move.
 

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