Barcelona’s €18 million-rated star has found his footing after crucial turning point | OneFootball

Eric Garcia’s increasing involvement on the pitch is becoming a key talking point for Barcelona and with a long season ahead, it is clear that the decision made by Hansi Flick to keep him at the club during the winter transfer window was the right one.

As a result, the former Manchester City defender is proving his worth as an essential part of the team.

Since scoring with a brilliant header against Benfica in Lisbon, Eric Garcia’s influence has grown significantly. He has played 294 minutes out of a possible 360 in recent matches, which amounts to 81% of the available time.

This consistent game time speaks volumes about Flick’s growing trust in the defender despite the fact that the competition is immense within the team.

Delivering what is expected

In the recent fixture against Valencia, Garcia was given a starting role alongside Pau Cubarsi. He delivered a composed and confident performance.

Despite two minor errors in his passing—one in each half—he showed remarkable ability in distributing the ball quickly and efficiently, helping Barcelona maintain control during the match.

Eric Garcia is getting more opportunities. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

His crucial second-half tackle prevented a certain goal, demonstrating his defensive awareness and ability to make game-changing contributions.

Last weekend against Alaves, Flick brought Eric on at half-time in place of Araujo, seeking better ball circulation. This decision further highlighted Flick’s tactical confidence in the player.

More opportunities will come

As the season progresses and tougher fixtures appear on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Garcia’s role evolves.

The competition for starting positions in central defence is fierce, with Araujo being a formidable opponent. However, Garcia’s recent performances suggest that he is steadily closing the gap, offering a viable option for Flick in challenging matches.

If his current form continues, Garcia might establish himself as a dependable figure in Barcelona’s backline, helping the club navigate a demanding calendar with confidence.

His progress underscores why keeping him this season was a strategic move that may benefit Barça in the long run.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on the date of publication.