The next El Clásico, part of the tenth round of the Spanish championship, is remembered not only for the struggle on the field but also for various analyses. While Real Madrid defeated their Catalan rivals 2-1 in the match, the team's former legendary player, Toni Kroos, highlighted which player Barcelona lacked in this match.
Inigo Martinez was the most important person for Barcelona," Kroos said. "I've said that before." He was a player who beautifully organized defensive departures, making the first pass correctly. As a defender, he brought peace and balance to the team. True, he lacked speed, but technically, he was an excellent player. And at El Clásico, it was precisely his absence that created a huge gap."
According to the German footballer, Barcelona's central defense couldn't withstand Real Madrid's high pressure, and that's when Martinez's role became clearly felt. "The Catalans struggled greatly under this pressure because there was no opportunity to start a beautiful game through defense. Inigo Martinez's passes were capable of disrupting the opponent's pressing. Now, they haven't been able to find a replacement for him," Kroos said.
As is known, Inigo Martinez moved to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr after finishing his championship season with Barcelona. Many experts have emphasized that his departure has created a certain gap in Barcelona's defense.
With this victory, Real Madrid has further strengthened its leading position in the league table. According to Toni Kroos, every small tactical detail at El Clásico affects the result, and this time it's clear that Barcelona needs an experienced defender.
Many Spanish publications agree with Kroos, writing that Barcelona's inaccurate defensive movements have worked against the team. Perhaps the club could prioritize consolidating this point during the winter transfer window.
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