Barcelona star Gerard Martín has been fondly compared to a footballing icon in the club’s dressing room over recent weeks.
This of course comes amid a stellar run of form on the part of the defender.
Afforded the chance to impress in a central role by manager Hansi Flick, left-back Martín has responded with a string of brilliant performances in his new position.
So much so that calls have begun to mount for the 23-year-old to remain in his new berth, as first-choice in Barca’s XI moving forward.
And Martín’s increasing prominence, it would appear, has not gone at all overlooked on the part of his teammates in Catalunya’s capital.
As confirmed by Diario Sport this weekend:
‘In the dressing room for weeks now, the nickname “Gerard Maldini” has been circulating in memory of the Milan legend.’
First utilised as something of a lighthearted joke, Barca’s stars have now begun to throw weight behind the comparison, aware that Martín will never reach the level of a legend like Maldini, but also increasingly impressed by his performances, and ability to move away from his natural position at full-back into a more central role.
Conor Laird – GSFN
