How Barcelona’s veteran stays at the top of his game with only one missed match

At 33 years old, Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez is in exceptional physical condition, rivalling the peak of his performances during his early years.

A clear reflection of his current form is his playing time, as he is the most featured player in the squad, having accumulated 2,136 minutes on the pitch.

He is the only player surpassing the 2,000-minute mark, alongside Jules Kounde (2,065 minutes) and Raphinha (2,064 minutes).

What is his secret?

The secret behind Martinez’s outstanding performances this season lies in his approach to training and his dedication to improving his game.

According to SPORT, he consistently pushes himself to the highest level in training, setting a demanding standard that does not go unnoticed by Hansi Flick.

The coach has expressed admiration for Martinez’s work ethic, as he believes that players should perform at their best both in training sessions and during matches.

His commitment to excellence has made him a key example for Flick, who values such professionalism within his squad.

Flick wanted him to rest

This relentless drive has allowed Martinez to handle Barcelona’s demanding schedule without issue.

While Flick has considered giving him rest on several occasions, the defender’s consistently high level of performance has made it unnecessary. In fact, the only match Martinez has missed this season was the 2-4 loss against Osasuna.

Tactically, Martinez is also in sync with Flick’s footballing philosophy. The coach appreciates his ability to organize the team defensively and his strong presence with both feet.

So far, Martinez has played in 24 of Barcelona’s 25 official matches this season. If he plays in 37 games, his contract would automatically extend, as he would have featured in 60% of the possible matches.

However, the club’s management has made it clear that this condition is not the deciding factor in his future. Martinez is expected to remain at Barcelona for at least one more season, regardless of how many matches he plays.