Zero errors resulting in purpose – Stats show why Barcelona have the very best defender in La Liga this season
Underneath Hansi Flick, Barcelona’s defence has seen a big transformation this season—and on the coronary heart of that change stands Inigo Martinez.
As soon as seen as a fringe determine below Xavi and burdened by damage troubles, the skilled centre-back has discovered a brand new lease on life, changing into a vital pillar of Flick’s unbeaten run.
Commercial
Now, Martinez has clocked over 2,000 minutes in La Liga alone this season, greater than most of his fellow defenders on the membership.
The German coach has positioned his belief within the former Athletic Membership man, and the veteran has repaid it with commanding performances. 5 clear sheets stand out, however it’s his dominance in duels that actually highlights his resurgence.
A have a look at the numbers
The 33-year-old at the moment boasts the very best duel success charge in all of La Liga, successful an astonishing 74.2% of his duels.
That’s greater than Actual Sociedad’s Nayef Aguerd (72%) and Actual Madrid’s Dani Ceballos (69.9%), inserting Martinez firmly on the high of the league on this class.
Inigo Martinez has been one among Barcelona’s high gamers. (Photograph by Judit Cartiel/Getty Photos)
Moreover, his aerial energy is equally spectacular. With 65% of aerial duels gained, Martinez stands out as some of the dependable defenders within the air, particularly contemplating Barcelona’s occasional struggles to cope with crosses and set-pieces this season.
Commercial
His averages—4.2 ball recoveries and three.6 clearances per sport—are greater than these of Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde, or Ronald Araujo, all of whom are extra incessantly talked about.
There’s rather more
Maybe essentially the most essential statistic of all: zero errors resulting in targets. In a staff that builds from the again, particularly below Flick’s extra vertical and courageous model of play, a mistake-free centre-back is a goldmine.
Martinez has provided precisely that—calmness on the ball, assurance within the deal with, and management when issues get powerful.
With Barcelona now 21 matches unbeaten since their final loss on 21 December towards Atletico Madrid, Martinez has turn out to be a quiet cornerstone of this spectacular streak.
Flick has made daring selections this season—however none could show as efficient as reviving the profession of the centre-back who now leads La Liga in duel success and has turn out to be one among Barça’s most reliable gamers.