Barça has been wasting time for seven years

When Ernesto Valverde became Barça's new manager in the summer of 2017, his plan was to bring Iñigo Martínez into the team. At the time, the left-footed center-back from Ondarroa was still playing for Real Sociedad. The signing never materialized because the Blaugrana had prestigious players, including in the back line, who advised against the move.

Months later, Iñigo ended up at Athletic Club. Ultimately, Hampered by injuries, the defender didn't have the continuity he desired with Xavi Hernández on the bench. It wasn't until this 2024-2025 season, under Hansi Flick, that he became a mainstay for Barça.



When the German coach arrived, and knowing his style of play with a very advanced defensive line, it wasn't so easy to foresee the impact the former Athletic Club player would have on the team. When you play with your defense so high up, in theory you want fast center backs that allow you to put out fires in the back. But Iñigo Martínez doesn't normally need to put anything out so he, and his teammates, can ensure the opponent can't ignite anything.

In this sense, pressing after losing the ball has become a hallmark of the team. Against Girona, for example, Flick's men once again shone in that regard. The work of Iñigo and his usual partner in defense, Pau Cubarsí, defending forward, moving toward the ball, and reducing space for the opponent is immeasurable.

Also in relation to defensive aspects, the coordination of the line borders on excellence. It is rare that the opponent catches Barça's center backs misaligned. Furthermore, Iñigo and Cubarsí are very clear about who is in charge of calling the offside depending on where the opponent has the ball.

The Catalan has an exciting career ahead of him, and the experienced and veteran Basque is now experiencing his best moment as a footballer. He knows he has the opportunity to celebrate important titles for the first time in his career and Iñigo Martínez will turn 34 a few days before the Champions League final. Intelligent and decisive in duels, he doesn't need to be 1.

90m tall to dominate the art of defending. In the open field, he is very authoritative, anticipating, colliding, or using his body to win the ball. Inside the box, he has a knack for gliding across the turf and cutting off dangerous passes or crosses.

Furthermore, his aerial prowess (he doesn't need to be 1.90m tall to be strong in this area either) makes him a valuable player in both areas. Precisely to give him more chances to damage the opposition, the Biscayan's foot is also a blessing.

He is creative with the ball, and his passes, tense and intent on finding teammates in deep areas, are a great way to progress in the game. The best center back to play for Flick's Barça. When he can and should, Iñigo drives with his head up and divides the opponent's pressure.

Another solution he has in his formidable range of footballing resources is the change of orientation. His delicate left foot serves to connect directly with the winger on the other side. And who is that winger? Lamine Yamal.

Oil on a lamp. With a pass from the center back and a control from the winger, Barça is already in the opponent's half, probably thanks to the fear generated by the teenager from Rocafonda, ready to push the opponent into his area. If he recovers and tries to break out, he will have to travel many meters to Szczęsny's goal.

And he will likely be unable to get there either way because the counterpressing, often led by Iñigo himself, will smother any counterattack attempts. Iñigo Martínez isn't the tallest, fastest, or strongest center back, but he's the best center back to play for Flick's Barça and partner Cubarsí, a defender who should become a legend for the Blaugrana. Who knows what would have happened if Valverde had imposed his opinion seven years ago? Who knows if the club could have avoided signings like Yerry Mina, Murillo, and Lenglet, or cursed renewals like Umtiti's.

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