Eric Garcia won’t be a assured starter beneath Hansi Flick, however his tactical flexibility ensures that he stays an necessary asset for Barcelona this season.
With accidents affecting key gamers and a global break creating choice challenges, the Spanish defender may see elevated enjoying time within the coming matches.
To date this season, Garcia has featured in 28 matches throughout all competitions however has solely been named within the beginning XI 10 occasions.
Regardless of this, he continues to be a dependable squad participant, providing options in a number of positions when required.
Now, with Marc Casado and Inigo Martinez each sidelined, the defender has a golden alternative to push for a beginning function within the subsequent few fixtures.
Versatility as his largest power
One in every of Garcia’s standout qualities is his means to function in a number of positions. With Martinez out, he turns into a pure possibility at centre-back, whereas Casado’s absence means he is also thought-about for a job in defensive midfield.
One other key benefit is the worldwide break, as Garcia will keep behind whereas lots of Barcelona’s key defenders are away with their nationwide groups.
Eric Garcia is in competition to start out in opposition to Osasuna. (Picture by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Photos)
This provides him extra time to coach beneath Flick, doubtlessly growing his possibilities of that includes in upcoming video games.
A probable starter in opposition to Osasuna?
With Ronald Araujo away with Uruguay and anticipated to return late from worldwide responsibility, and Pau Cubarsi additionally at present with Spain, Garcia might be first in line to start out in opposition to Osasuna.
The final time he partnered with Cubarsi at centre-back was in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory in opposition to Las Palmas, the place they delivered a stable defensive show.
Given Flick’s want for a steady backline, Garcia might need one other likelihood to show himself in that function.
An opportunity to cement his place
Whereas competitors for locations in Barcelona’s squad is intense, Garcia’s means to adapt makes him a useful squad participant.
His expertise, composure on the ball, and positional consciousness might be essential for Flick in managing fixture congestion and accidents.
Now, with an sudden alternative to shine, Garcia should benefit from his possibilities to stake his declare for a much bigger function within the workforce shifting ahead.
*Participant valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.