Barcelona miss Inigo Martinez

Without Inigo Martinez, Barca's defense is fragile.

One of Barcelona's biggest ambitions for the 2025/26 season is to improve their defense - reducing the number of goals conceded and minimizing the chances their opponents can create. But after just two rounds, the problems in defense are quickly revealed.

It is no coincidence that people call the current Barca “orphans” of Inigo Martinez – the Basque midfielder, who once played the role of silent leader in Hansi Flick’s defense. In the summer of 2025, Inigo Martinez went to Saudi Arabia to play for Al Nassr.

Worrying numbers

Last season, the Catalans conceded 39 goals in La Liga, an average of more than one per game. In the Champions League, the number was even more worrying: 24 goals, or about 1.7 goals per game. Add in seven goals in the Copa del Rey and two in the Spanish Super Cup, and Barca ended the season with a total of 72 goals conceded - an unacceptable number for a club with ambitions to conquer Europe.

These statistics have made it clear that Flick must make defensive improvements a top priority. However, the start of the new season has been alarming. Barca kept a clean sheet against Mallorca - who played with nine men for almost half a game - but against Levante, a newcomer, they conceded two goals and allowed eight shots and six clear-cut chances.

In fact, Flick was not prepared for the prospect of losing Inigo Martinez. He once considered the Ondarroa player an indispensable pillar. “I like Inigo very much. Last season, he was the biggest reason for our success. He always gave his all for this club,” the German coach confided.

In fact, Flick was not prepared for the prospect of losing Inigo Martinez.

Inigo Martinez is not only a rare left-footed centre-back, but also the architect of the entire defence: commanding the offside trap, initiating attacks from the back, inspiring the dressing room and leading the younger players. In many games, his direct passes to Lamine Yamal have opened up sharp counter-attacks. Off the field, he doesn’t need the captain’s armband but is still a true leader.

Pau Cubarsi and the maturity test

The one who has been hit hardest by this absence is Pau Cubarsi. Last season, the young La Masia star developed quickly thanks to playing alongside Inigo. But against Levante, Cubarsi was at a disadvantage in one-on-one situations on several occasions, and contributed to the opening goal. Clearly, to replace an experienced senior, the young player will need more time - and skillful guidance from Flick.

Luckily for Barca, Ronald Araujo is showing determination and stability. The Uruguayan midfielder plays solidly, trying to adapt to Flick's controlling style of play despite being a defensive-minded defender by nature. He promises to be a support for Cubarsi to grow.

Another name that will miss Inigo just as much is Alejandro Balde. The Basque centre-back often reminded the young defender to keep his distance and not break the offside trap. Many times, Inigo humorously said that Balde was “the player who lost concentration the most” and the one he had to shout at the most on the pitch. That supervision is no longer there, forcing Balde to learn to improve himself.

Inigo Martinez is not only a rare left-footed center-back, but also the organizer of the entire defense system.

Fortunately for Barca, the early season schedule was not too harsh. Flick had more time to fine-tune and experiment with new combinations in the center of defense. But the two goals conceded against Levante were a reminder that the Catalan team is still very fragile without a true defensive leader.

If they don't quickly find a new formula to fill the void left by Inigo, Barca's Champions League dream - or even the La Liga race - could continue to be threatened by the old disease: a vulnerable defense.

Source: https://znews.vn/barcelona-dang-nho-inigo-martinez-post1579605.html