Spanish defender Gerard Martin praised the potential of Egyptian international Hamza Abdel Karim, a young player at Barcelona, noting that he is a hardworking player and a wonderful person.
Gerard Martin
Club: Barcelona
Martin said via the Spanish newspaper "Sport": "Hamza is somewhat shy, but he is an extremely hardworking player and a wonderful person, and he also possesses great potential."
He continued, "We started the season very well, and now we have to take a few days off, but we will return with great enthusiasm."
He added, "I had a fantastic season as a center-back last year, and I will try to maintain the same level this season."
Regarding the long international break and its impact on the team's rhythm, he said: "I don't like it. I don't think anyone likes being away from the league for three weeks, because it is a long period without competition, and we have to stop during it."
He added, "The break will affect our level to some extent, but we will try to return at the same level we were at."
About changing his position to center-back and the nickname Maldini, he said: "This happened during the Asian tour in Japan. Hansi Flick told me he wanted to try me out in a match as a center-back, and I performed well."
He completed, "Eric Garcia always calls me by this name, and there are other players who do so too, but Eric uses it the most."
He concluded his talk about Lamine Yamal saying: "Training against Lamine is difficult, but it benefits me. The stronger the competition in training, the better."
He continued, "Lamine is a young boy, and perhaps some people have a different image of him off the pitch, but I see him daily and can say that he is very mature and humble, although that may not be obvious to everyone."
He finished, "For me, Lamine is the best player, and therefore he should win the Ballon d'Or."
Gerard Martin was promoted to Barcelona's first team in the summer of 2024, and his contract with the team extends until the summer of 2028.
So far, he has played 99 matches for the team, scoring one goal and providing seven assists.
Barcelona tops the La Liga standings with 21 points from seven wins, having achieved a perfect record.
Barcelona is preparing to face Getafe after the international break on Saturday, October 10, as part of the eighth round of La Liga at Camp Nou.
