Inigo Martinez on Lamine Yamal ‘He’s a peculiar guy’

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has explained that as one of the few veterans in the youngest team in La Liga, his role is to ensure that the young players enjoy themselves in the dressing room. The 33-year-old is one of three players over the age of thirty in the team, alongside Robert Lewandowski and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

One of the most prominent talking points in recent weeks has been the fact that Barcelona have only dropped points when Lamine Yamal is not in the starting line-up.

“We know how important he is, I won't deny that. He gives us a lot, he makes the opponent's defensive line retreat. He stirs up a lot of fear. He is crucial to the team. But that doesn't mean the next one that comes up won't be up to par. I have no doubt that everyone who comes gives 100% or 200%. The day Lamine is not there and we win, the subject will not be discussed. There is more than enough in the selection to win all matches.”

Martinez was also asked about his role as one of the elder statesmen in the party, and what that entailed.

“It's nothing more than giving 100%. In the match, in the dressing room… It's my job and everyone else's. Punctuality, respect for others. Just like in any other job. You always try to help the young people. To let go a little, because they may arrive with the fear that the first team evokes. To enjoy, to have fun. If they want to tell a joke, let them do it. And you see that, you see on the field that they are having a good time and contributing a lot.”

Inaki Pena is another player who has stepped up due to injuries and after a decisive role in El Clásico, he looked to have secured his place in the team. Martinez was asked if he had noticed a change in confidence.

“He's so cold I don't know if he's really…I don't know what he's thinking. We are delighted. He's a great guy, he's different, peculiar. You can see the work there, and when you have that opportunity, you jump, you execute. The manager and the club have complete confidence in him, he has been here for many years. He is so calm that I never see him leave his comfort zone. He shows what a great goalkeeper he is.”

Many expected Wojciech Szczesny to win the number one spot when he arrived at the club and retired before that. However, Flick has stuck with Pena thus far and has noted that he doesn't feel the need to do so until he has a reason to change. Following Ter Stegen's injury, Pena kept four clean sheets in seven games, but has since conceded six goals in his last four games and has not kept a clean sheet in any games.