There can’t be too many culers, if any at all, that would’ve predicted at the start of the season just how vital Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin would have become for Hansi Flick.
To date, Eric is the only player in the entire squad that has played in every game this season, and his recent contract renewal – and that of Gerard Martin – speaks volumes.
At one point, the former was more out than in at the club, and his brilliant showing whilst on loan at Girona had certainly seen his star ascend.
Perhaps
seen as a jack of all trades but master of none at times, there didn’t really appear to be a future for Eric in any position.
And yet, certainly this season and evidently in some of the last, he’s proved his worth to the team.
As solid as they come in a physical sense, he isn’t a player who will shirk any tackle, even if it literally means taking one for the team. The mask he currently has to wear is evidence of that.
His passing has improved immeasurably and, whilst he could time his tackles better on occasions, he represents a fearsome shield in front of the back four.
Not to mention he can fill in at centre-back and right-back as needed, whilst also providing a supplementary attacking presence from set-pieces.
The versatility that was once a potential handicap has now become a godsend for Hansi Flick, who knows he can rely on Eric to give his best in whatever position he’s asked to play.
Flick certainly seems to be moving players around a lot more this season, too, and Gerard Martin’s somewhat surprising conversion to centre-back is a prime example.
Destined to be Alejandro Balde’s back-up in the left-back slot, the 23-year-old has made the position next to Pau Cubarsi his own in a very short space of time.
Andreas Christensen’s future at the club looks increasingly uncertain, and with Ronald Araujo currently unavailable, Martin has looked a calm presence in the heart of backline.
In the club’s hour of need, Martin has stepped up and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Right place, right time, you might say.
Both players have certainly been as important as any other in the club’s recent winning run, and in football you don’t change a winning team…
