Flick sees versatile Barcelona star as the first-choice right-back for next season

In partnership with

Barca Universal

·15 May 2026

Flick sees versatile Barcelona star as the first-choice right-back for next season

Eric Garcia has been FC Barcelona’s most versatile player this season by quite some distance and has played in multiple positions across the field based on the team’s needs.

Of all of the positions he has played in, however, the right-back position remains the most interesting. After all, the team have been without a natural right-back for several years now, with Jules Kounde providing coverage in that department in recent years.

OneFootball Videos

In fact, Eric even started the title-winning El Clasico at right-back despite Kounde being fully fit, which came as a sign from the manager of the trust he maintains in the Spaniard.

A sign for next season

As reported by SPORT, it was no surprise that Garcia started at right-back against Real Madrid and was actually a part of Flick’s plans.

Eric Garcia has been one of Barcelona’s biggest positives. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The manager, after all, sees Garcia as the starting right-back for next season, which comes as a massive surprise.

He will remain a backup option to play in varied positions, but he will also be guaranteed to start primarily only as a right-back for Barcelona.

While it does not directly imply that Kounde’s future is in danger, the manager appreciates Garcia’s fight and leadership and will thus hand the player more minutes next season.

The other options

Kounde and Garcia are the two major players in Barcelona’s squad who can fill in at right-back, but they are not the only two names.

Xavi Espart has impressed in his few chances. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Xavi Espart, the young La Masia graduate, has made a strong case to earn more minutes next season and the management are said to be pleased with his development.

He will, therefore, see more importance next season as a rotational player.

Further, Hector Fort is an option for Barcelona when he returns from his loan stint at Elche, and it remains to be seen if the management has him in their plans for next season.