Gerard Martin believes Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal is currently the world’s best player and would be a deserving Ballon d’Or winner.
“In my opinion, he is currently the best player and fully deserves to win the Ballon d’Or,” Martin told Sport.
The defender has witnessed Yamal’s rapid rise from academy prospect to leading individual award contender at close quarters. Martin, who regularly faces him in training, said the teenager’s quality makes sessions difficult but helps him improve.
“It’s a huge headache, but it benefits me greatly,” he said. “The higher the demands in training, the more I improve.”
Martin also rejected any suggestion that Yamal’s public image reflects his private character, describing him as humble and more mature than many players of the same age.
The 2010-born Xavi Espart was another young player to impress Martin during pre-season. Espart had previously played in midfield but has adapted to the inverted left-back role under Hansi Flick, moving into central areas to create an extra player in midfield.
“He had an astonishing start,” said Martin. “For someone who had never played as an inverted full-back before, he’s doing an excellent job.”
Martin has offered Espart advice about defensive positioning and pressing, although he believes the youngster must ultimately express himself on the pitch.
Martin’s own career has changed dramatically since he was playing for Cornella three or four years ago before moving to Barcelona B. He said he had managed the transition by keeping a calm and natural outlook, while family support and work with a sports psychologist had also been important.
The psychologist helps him stay focused when things are going well and rebuild confidence when his playing time is limited or performances are difficult, Martin explained.
He has also had to adapt to the intense scrutiny surrounding Barcelona. Praise can arrive after a run of strong matches, particularly since his move into central defence, while a single mistake can quickly bring criticism.
“I try not to pay too much attention to outside opinions, because ultimately I have to focus on my job,” he said. “I feel comfortable and at peace with myself.”
Martin’s positional change began during Barcelona’s tour of Japan, when Flick asked him to try centre-back. After performing well, he trained there more regularly before being selected to start in the position. He has since established himself there, having previously played in a three-man defence at Cornella.
The 24-year-old said he does not model his game on a particular defender, preferring to learn from team-mates. He still receives the nickname “Maldini”, mainly from Eric Garcia.
Barcelona’s season began strongly, but Martin is unhappy about the unprecedented three-and-a-half-week break from league matches. He said the squad needed some rest but would continue training because difficult fixtures awaited them.
“We will try to maintain the same competitive state when we return,” he added.
