Barcelona 24-year-old star now a fundamental pillar in Hansi Flick’s team | OneFootball

Less than a year ago, Eric Garcia was staring at an uncertain future at FC Barcelona, not being able to enjoy the kind of regularity in his minutes that he would have liked.

A departure in the January transfer window earlier this year seemed plausible, with no shortage of clubs interested in his services.

However, Hansi Flick stepped in and convinced the 24-year-old star to stay put and that he would get his chances.

A key pillar in Flick’s team

Fast forward ten months, and Eric Garcia has now become a fundamental pillar in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona setup, reports Mundo Deportivo.

Be it in his natural role at centre-back or right-back, or even as a left-back on occasions, Flick has come to rely heavily on Garcia, especially in the ongoing season, when the Spaniard has become a fixed presence in the team.

Eric Garcia had a good game vs PSG. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)

On Wednesday, Garcia started in the Barcelona defence ahead of captain Ronald Araujo and the reliable Andreas Christensen, showing how much Flick trusts the former La Masia trainee.

And Garcia repaid the manager’s faith with a solid performance despite the result not going his team’s way at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The defender partnered with Pau Cubarsi, who looked less assured than usual and was caught out for the French side’s first goal. Garcia, however, held the defensive line during Barcelona’s most difficult spells under pressure from Luis Enrique’s team.

Although less eye-catching in his distribution than on other occasions due to PSG’s pressing, Garcia was quick to intercept and decisive in several key actions.

Garcia’s contract expires at the end of the season – something that has caught PSG’s attention. But Barcelona are working to extend it as soon as possible, as it has become clear that he is an integral part of Flick’s project.