Atlético de Madrid opted for Carlos Martín, one of the young talents from the youth team, renewing his contract and loaning him to Alavés. The idea was clear: that Martín would gain experience and minutes in the first division to, in the future, be a real option as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann. However, in the first four games of the season, things have not gone as expected. Carlos Martín has barely played 57 minutes: 30 against Betis, 27 against Las Palmas and zero against Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Carlos Martín at Alavés: a loan with more shadows than lights
Atlético de Madrid's plan was for Carlos Martín to play a prominent role at Alavés. The lack of minutes is starting to worry the red-and-white club, as the striker needs to play to continue developing. In the debut against Betis, Martín played 30 minutes, but then only managed 27 against Las Palmas. The most worrying thing was that he did not participate at all against Espanyol and Real Sociedad.
Atlético had hoped that Martín would find an ideal environment in Alavés to gain minutes. The aim was for him to gain experience in the first division and return to Atlético better prepared. But the Alavés coach has not given him the expected role, which has generated doubts in the red-and-white board.
Enrique Cerezo and Atlético de Madrid are concerned about the situation
Carlos Martin's lack of playing time is a serious concern for Enrique Cerezo and the management of Atletico Madrid. The club hopes that its young talents on loan can develop at the highest level. In Martin's case, the expectation was that he would gain experience by playing regularly, something that is not happening at Alaves.
Cerezo and the Atlético board wanted to see Martín grow in the top flight. The striker has potential, but he needs minutes in real matches to be able to demonstrate it. So far, the loan to Alavés is not working out as the club hoped, and that raises concerns about his future development.
The need for minutes for Carlos Martín to grow
Atlético de Madrid have always been committed to young talent, and Carlos Martín is no exception. However, for that bet to work, the player needs real playing opportunities. If the situation does not improve, the club could reconsider its strategy with Martín.
Enrique Cerezo and the Atlético board will closely monitor his progress at Alavés. The priority is for Carlos Martín to receive the minutes necessary to demonstrate his quality and continue to grow as a footballer. Atlético knows that his development is essential for the future of the team, and they will take the necessary measures to guarantee it.