46/47 passes: Fringe Barcelona defender provides game-changing impact against Deportivo Alavés | OneFootball

FC Barcelona may not have conducted any transfer business so far this month and that doesn’t look set to change. However, the Catalan club had a chance to move on one player from the squad that was vetoed by Hansi Flick.

A number of clubs were interested in signing Eric Garcia with the Spanish defender not playing a starring role for Hansi Flick. Despite that, the German coach convinced the ex-Man City player to stay at the club and that has proven to be a wise decision.

Last night, Barcelona were struggling in the first half of the game against Alavés, in terms of ball progression. It was a very poor display of football from the Catalan club who have otherwise earned a name for playing an exciting brand of football.

Something had to change in the second 45 and Hansi Flick responded by making two changes, which ended up being game-changing. One of those was bringing on Eric Garcia for Ronald Araujo and the Spaniard had an immense game.

As per stats from Sofascore, Eric Garcia had an almost flawless game against Alavés. In the 45-odd minutes that he spent on the pitch, the Spaniard recorded three clearances, one blocked shot, and one tackle.

However, his biggest impact was on the ball. Eric recorded 52 touches on the ball, completing 46 of his 47 attempted passes. He lost possession of the ball just once and also pulled off the only ground duel he attempted.

More than just the statistics though, it was the way in which Eric Garcia improved ball progression that caught the eye. Keeping it simple, playing one-touch passes and often breaking lines from defense, the Spaniard showcased his value to Hansi Flick’s team.

Last night served as a timely reminder for the quality that Eric possesses and why exactly Hansi Flick wanted to keep hold of him. He will continue to be important in certain kinds of games and let’s wait and see how it plays out.