Gerard Martin says Lamine Yamal deserves to win the Ballon d’Or and insists Barcelona’s only focus is securing the Champions League, regardless of whether Rodri considers them among the favourites.
The Barcelona defender was speaking to Sport and also praised Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim, describing him as a talented and hard-working young player.
“Hamza Abdelkarim is shy, but he is a very dedicated young man and, honestly, a great person,” Martin said.
Martin added that Barcelona had made an excellent start to the season and would return from their short break with renewed determination.
“We have started the season very well. Now it is time to stop for a few days, but we will come back with great desire,” he said.
The 24-year-old also explained how working with a sports psychologist had helped him manage both positive and difficult periods in his career.
“I work with a sports psychologist who helps me in good moments and bad ones,” Martin said. “When things are going well, he helps me maintain the same mentality so I do not drop off. When my confidence is low, I am not playing many minutes or something similar is happening, he helps me work day by day, build my confidence and feel secure.”
Asked whether he felt undervalued, after Yamal described him as one of football’s most under-appreciated players, Martin said recognition from inside the club mattered most.
“It may be true that I do not receive enough recognition from outside,” he said. “But the most important thing for me is that my team-mates, my family and the manager value me.”
Martin also addressed the nickname “Maldini”, which has been used to compare him with the former Italy and AC Milan defender.
“Eric Garcia specifically always calls me that,” he said. “There are some other players who do as well, but Eric always calls me Maldini.”
On the Ballon d’Or, Martin gave his unequivocal support to Yamal.
“Yamal deserves to win it. For me, he is the best player, so he should win it,” he said.
Martin spoke positively about Rodri, saying the midfielder’s ability to control possession had allowed him to adapt quickly.
“Rodri is a top-class player. He has always been used to playing this way, keeping the ball, so he adapted to us very quickly as well,” Martin said. “He has a lot of experience, and that is also clear during matches.”
Rodri recently said Barcelona were not the leading contenders for the Champions League and still had areas to improve. Martin said such predictions had little effect on the squad.
“To be honest, I do not care much whether we are considered favourites or not,” he said. “Our aim remains to win the Champions League.”
He added: “I do not think being favourites puts extra pressure on us, and not being favourites does not remove the pressure either. We deal with it in the same way. In the end, people outside the club can say whatever they want. We will focus on our work and give everything to win it.”
Martin said he hoped to remain at Barcelona for many years. He is approaching his 100th appearance for the club and would like to reach another century of matches.
“Of course, I would be happy to stay here for many more years,” he said. “I hope to play 100 more games and everything that comes after that.”
Asked if he would sign a lifetime contract, Martin replied: “Yes, definitely. I would have to deserve it, of course, but yes. So far, things are going well.”
