The FC Barcelona of yesteryear had a player called Sergi Roberto in the squad. The Spaniard, one of the last to make it big in the first team before Ansu Fati, was never the flashiest but always had a purpose.
Sergi Roberto never seemed to have the quality to establish himself as a star for Barcelona, but he was the ultimate utility man. Coaches loved using him to fill gaps wherever needed, and during his time at Barcelona, he probably played every position except goalkeeper and striker.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona seems to have unearthed a similar player, perhaps with even more quality. You can place Eric Garcia anywhere on the pitch these days, and he always looks as though it is his natural position.
So far this season, he has played at centre-back, right-back, left-back, and now as a defensive midfielder, demonstrating versatility of the highest order.
Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and FC Barcelona at Carlos Tartiere.
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
After his sensational performance as a pivot against Athletic Club, the reaction among Hansi Flick’s coaching staff, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, was: “You put him up front, and he would perform as well.”
Although this does not mean they plan to use him ahead of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, it shows the coaching staff appreciating the incredible versatility Eric brings to the table.
The 24-year-old, who was very close to leaving Barcelona in January, is now one of the first names on Hansi Flick’s team sheet. The only curiosity each week is where he starts rather than whether he starts. He is also emerging as a captain without the armband.
Eric is a perfect example of players who might not look ready at 20 but look like a million dollars at 24. With every week, his perseverance is seeing his stock rise, and long may it continue in a Barcelona shirt.