Hansi Flick should really start €25m Barcelona player in midfield against Chelsea — Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona brace themselves for a Champions League encounter against Chelsea in which three points are of paramount importance. The Blues are not an easy team to face due to their pacey style and verticality, and Hansi Flick will have to get his tactics spot on against Enzo Maresca.

Much of the limelight will be on the line-up that Flick selects for the game against the Blues. While most positions pick themselves, one that remains up in the air is the midfield partner for Dutch maestro Frenkie de Jong.

Dani Olmo played alongside the Dutchman against Celta Vigo and kept his place against Athletic Club at the weekend. Eric Garcia started in the absence of Frenkie against the Basque opponents, and Marc Casado should also be ready to start against the Blues.

We at Sempre Barca think Hansi Flick should really start Eric Garcia in midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong against Chelsea. The €25 million-rated Spaniard put on a clinic in that position against Athletic Club and was taken off to a standing ovation.

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Although Casado is the natural replacement in that position, and Olmo might offer more in terms of ball progression, having the defensive solidity of Eric alongside Frenkie de Jong bodes well for Hansi Flick.

It allows the Dutchman to play with more freedom, knowing that the 24-year-old Barcelona star is behind him to mop up any loose balls. Eric himself is no slouch with the ball at his feet and can thread passes through the eye of a needle.

Ahead of the game in London, there is absolutely no doubt that Eric will be a starter. Hansi Flick’s only dilemma is where to start him, and this game needs the Spaniard more in defensive midfield than in central defence.

This would allow Ronald Araujo to start alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence, and the Uruguayan’s recovery pace will be needed against Chelsea’s pacey attack. This is the combination that makes the most sense on paper.

Hansi Flick has always been an attack-first coach, and it would not be a surprise if he starts Olmo alongside Frenkie and uses Eric in central defence, but we believe the Spaniard must be the starting pivot on the night. Let us see what the German manager decides.