Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been full of praise for Gerard Martin but still wants more from the defender next season.
Martin has switched from left-back to center-back this season and has impressed in the heart of the Barcelona backline.
Flick says his rise through the ranks at Barcelona deserves huge credit but feels the 24-year-old can get even better.
“He has everything he needs to play in this position. His attitude and mentality are incredible. He has improved a lot. When you look at the
numbers, it’s impressive. I’m happy for him, for us, and for the club,” he told reporters after Barca’s final game of the season.
“For a player to come in from Barça Atlètic and perform like this in his second season is incredible, it’s great to see. It’s what I want from him. His mentality and attitude are exactly what Barça needs.
“Next season he has to take a step forward. We’re working on it. He’s ready to do it. He’s 100% committed to this.”
Barcelona had been tipped to spend big on a center-back this summer but that talk has cooled recently which could be good news for Martin. The club’s priority currently is to bring in replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
