24-year-old Barcelona star continues to excel in newfound position — Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were desperate for a win against Celta Vigo last night to close out this period with a victory and reduce the gap to Real Madrid to three points.

With the November international break now upon us, it is time for self-reflection for Hansi Flick and co. Last night, they secured a 4-2 win over the Galician side, courtesy of a stupendous second-half performance.

The German manager started Eric Garcia at right back, with Jules Kounde carrying some physical issues. The Spaniard had played there at the beginning of the season to good effect, and all eyes were on him.

It is safe to say Eric outshone Kounde in that role, and last night was another indication that this might be his best position. The 24-year-old is extremely versatile and in the form of his career, but on the right, he looks very comfortable.

Kounde has been struggling for form, whereas Eric got forward and provided excellent support to Lamine Yamal. Although he inverted more than he overlapped, the Spaniard’s vision and one-touch play are what make him stand out.

An inherently intelligent footballer, Eric’s performance against Celta was a further testament to his growth as a player. He continues to grow in stature and can be considered one of the first names on Hansi Flick’s team sheet.

With Kounde enduring a slump, it might be time for Flick to give Eric more opportunities at right back. Although he is needed in central defense, exploring the option of swapping the two could be beneficial for the team.

The 24-year-old Barcelona defender now has a chance to rest for a couple of weeks, as he is not part of the Spain national team. Let us hope Eric can sustain his form in the coming months and further enhance his reputation.