5 - Iñigo Martínez

[NorthernVictory]

Maybe because we let Bartra go for 8m, he was a decent backup, good on the ball, good passing, decent at bringing the ball forward.

If we're looking for something similar, we should've just kept him.

 

[Messi983]

He wanted to leave and he had more than enough opportunities to show us that he's capable of being anything more than a 4th/5th CB but he never really delivered that.

Anyway, he left a year ago so he has nothing to do with us buying Inigo now. Inigo will be a replacement and a clear upgrade over Mathieu and I believe when he'll fully adapt he'll also become an upgrade over Masche.

 

[First0]

There is no doubt in my mind Martinez is inferior to Pique, Mascherano, Umtiti and Marlon. I do not want him. We've got 4 center backs who have been performing well, especially Marlon doesn't need more competition he needs the most minutes he can get.

 

[Paul]

Your avatar was my face when I read that.

I think Inigo can be at the level of Pique, give it a damn chance.

 

[michelco]

Defininately a good player but will he really bench Pique or Umtiti? If not, then he's just a very expensive backup player (which seems to be the boards way of business though). However, is Mascherano and Marlon not good enough as backups?

 

[Paul]

Inigo won't be a back up player, we won't just bench him and forget him there, we aren't going to line up the same CB's every game, it's going to be a rotation for sure, plus injuries and cards, plus games we might use 3 CB's and nonetheless, the season is long and many things can happen.

Mascherano's days are coming to an end soon, pretty sure about that, he will play, but he has done his job for us.

 

[Richard.H]

Inigo won't be a back up player, we won't just bench him and forget him there, we aren't going to line up the same CB's every game, it's going to be a rotation for sure, plus injuries and cards, plus games we might use 3 CB's and nonetheless, the season is long and many things can happen.

Mascherano's days are coming to an end soon, pretty sure about that, he will play, but he has done his job for us.

Also have to consider if Masch can go back to mid for rotations. Our mid is very mediocre now that we mostly likely aren't signing Coutinho or Seri.

 

[DonAK]

Mascherano is finished playing in the midfield.

 

[Paul]

Mascherano was kinda finished in the midfield by the time we transferred, who did he play against? Hercules that day? The pace of La Liga kinda killed him there.

 

[jamrock]

There is no doubt in my mind Martinez is inferior to Pique, Mascherano, Umtiti and Marlon. I do not want him. We've got 4 center backs who have been performing well, especially Marlon doesn't need more competition he needs the most minutes he can get.

Yea the first 3 but not Marlon yet, & mina will probably end up being better than him.

We will then find ourselves in a neymar situation, where we have umtiti, Martinez, mina & Marlon all fighting for 1 spot beside pique,it's transfer than doesn't make sense long term if Marlon & mina are 80% of what they could be.

 

[Clockwise]

There is no doubt in my mind Martinez is inferior to Pique, Mascherano, Umtiti and Marlon. I do not want him. We've got 4 center backs who have been performing well, especially Marlon doesn't need more competition he needs the most minutes he can get.

Pique and Umtiti, I agree, but Marlon is too young and can still learn and gain experience, but as much as I love Masch, Martinez is a better passer, and better tackler than him. everyone will get their minutes, we need to rotate and have players that can step up in the right time in the squad.

 

[serghei]

It is a really good signing. Wake up and smell the roses. 32m. is the old 14m these days. Inigo Martinez is one of the highest rated CBs in Spain. He is technical which is what we need, without being naive in defense. He's a really good player. Could be a really solid 3rd option in no time. I would be super comfortable with Inigo and Mascherano for example.

 

[DonAK]

He was one of the highest rated defenders in Spain some 4-5 years ago.

Anyway, he might turn out to be good and step up at a club like Barca like Bravo did.

This signing is less of an issue right now. The issue is not signing a proper midfielder and a LW replacement for Neymar.

 

[KingMessi]

That feel when ESPN's uniformed analysts might be right that the only reinvestment we make with Neymoney is to buy a defender. Feels bad man.

 

[serghei]

He was one of the highest rated defenders in Spain some 4-5 years ago.

Anyway, he might turn out to be good and step up at a club like Barca like Bravo did.

This signing is less of an issue right now. The issue is not signing a proper midfielder and a LW replacement for Neymar.

I believe we will sign at least one of those two players, if not both. But if the opening is there for a good solid CB for an affordable price, pull the trigger. Inigo Martinez is a big upgrade on Mathieu. A big one imo.