Having previously found considerable success with free agents, excitement undeniably encapsulates the FC Barcelona faithful with the signing of Inigo Martinez. The Spanish defender was signed on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao and appears to be a solid addition as the club looks to address the center-back department.
Appraisal for Martinez has also stemmed from a legendary figure of the club. Gerard Pique, who marked an era at Barcelona, and has arguably validated himself as one of the best center-backs in the club’s history, came out to wax lyrical about the Catalans’ new signing.
In an interview to EFE, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Pique spoke fondly about Martinez: “I coincided with him in the Spanish national team on some occasions, and he is a great player who has been in La Liga for years. He has played for both Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao, two great clubs in Spain, and he has a lot of experience.”
Pique particularly highlighted his ball-playing strengths, which are necessary for any Blaugrana center-back. “He handles the ball very well, he has a great foot and a lot of character”, the World Cup winner commented.
Barcelona already had the best defensive record in La Liga last season, but with the addition of Martinez, even greater strength can be observed at the back.
“With him, the center-back position is going to be even more competitive because Ronald Araujo is there, Christensen is there, and Jules Kounde can also play there. The team already showed last season that defensively they can compete at a high level, and we hope it continues that way”, Pique said.
After bidding Gerard Pique farewell last season, the Catalan giants aspire to build a formidable back-line. Praise for Inigo Martinez from one of the club’s greatest legends surely pays a testament to his quality.
