Eric Garcia - Barcelona's 'all-rounder'

Eric Garcia can play any position.

From center back, full back to sometimes stepping into midfield, Eric Garcia has completed his tasks excellently, becoming a name that Hansi Flick cannot do without in the early season journey.

After 6 rounds of La Liga, Eric Garcia has been named in the starting lineup. This seemingly normal number becomes special when looking at the way Flick rotates him in all positions: three matches as a center back, three matches as a right back, even being pulled to the left wing at the end of the match against Getafe to "rescue" his teammates. The German strategist's trust in Eric Garcia not only helps Barca's defense become more flexible, but also helps the player himself consolidate his position, which has been doubted for many years.

“I think my best moment is still ahead of me. Flick has given me a lot of opportunities, and I am always ready to play wherever he asks me,” Eric Garcia shared. That affirmation shows the spirit of sacrifice for the collective - a quality that makes him different in the modern football world full of big egos.

Not only versatile, Eric Garcia is also durable. He is currently the player with the third most minutes on the field for Barca this season, only behind goalkeeper Joan Garcia and midfielder Pedri. Six consecutive starts, only once leaving the field in the 85th minute against Levante, Eric Garcia is proving his irreplaceable value.

Eric Garcia is Barca's unsung hero.

The recent match against Oviedo was the clearest proof. Not only did Eric Garcia defend solidly, he also scored the equalizer, opening the way for the "Blaugrana" to come back 3-1. It was his sixth goal in the last two seasons - an impressive number for a player who started from the center-back position. More importantly, Eric Garcia brought initiative in the development phase: long passes and movements along the flanks all opened up space for the attack.

Coach Hansi Flick did not hesitate to praise: "He is a great player, in excellent form and full of confidence." That is also the proof why he was determined to keep Eric last season, when many rumors said he would leave.

Eric Garcia’s current contract expires in June 2026. Barca and the player have been negotiating for months, and with his current form, both sides want to reach an agreement soon. In the context that the Catalan team needs a stable defense to conquer titles, tying down a “card” like Eric is almost a mandatory task.

From a player once doubted for his lack of physical strength, Eric Garcia is transforming into the epitome of “total football” – a well-rounded player, ready to adapt to any role. With Hansi Flick’s faith and his maturity in his playing style, he has not only rewritten his career story, but also become the key to Barcelona’s renaissance journey.

Source: https://znews.vn/eric-garcia-quan-bai-van-nang-cua-barcelona-post1588566.html