How an unexpected Barcelona player became Hansi Flick’s perfect solution | OneFootball

In football, the phrase “one man’s pain is another man’s pleasure” often rings true, and for Eric Garcia at Barcelona, this sentiment has found its place in his career.

Once on the fringes, relegated to the bench due to intense competition for spots, Garcia has quietly but steadily found his way back into the spotlight.

Thanks to his versatility and adaptability, the former Manchester City defender has gradually carved out a significant role in Hansi Flick’s plans.

A bad start to the season

At the start of the season, Garcia was seen as little more than a mere backup. This is because he was the fourth-choice centre-back after Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

On the other hand, his versatility put him as the fourth-choice midfielder. For an ambitious player like him, this position was far from ideal, and it would have been understandable for him to consider a move to a different club.

Yet, football’s unpredictable nature led to a remarkable turn of events. Flick identified the need for a versatile defensive player—someone who could play as both a reliable centre-back and an adaptable midfielder.

Things changed

Eric Garcia has so much to offer to Hansi Flick. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Garcia, with his positional discipline, calmness on the ball, and astute understanding of the game, perfectly fit that bill.

He is the type of player whose value doesn’t always come from a standout moment but from his ability to fill gaps and support the team when needed.

His skillset doesn’t rely on flashy displays but rather on consistency, a trait that managers like Flick highly appreciate.

The 24-year-old’s ability to contribute in multiple positions has proven to be invaluable. His professionalism, self-awareness, and commitment to the team’s success have made him a trusted figure in the squad.

A perfect player to have

Hansi Flick is pleased with Eric Garcia’s attitude. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Garcia may not be a regular starter, but his role in maintaining balance during key absences or providing rotation in high-pressure moments is crucial.

His generosity, both in terms of his tactical discipline and team-first mentality, makes him an essential piece of the puzzle.

However, while Garcia is content in his current role, it is likely that, deep down, he may desire a more prominent position in the future.

After all, he is a player with much to offer, and like any professional, the desire for a more rewarding role is entirely understandable.

Nevertheless, his commitment to the team’s success remains total, and it is clear that his importance to the squad goes beyond just match minutes.

Scope of improvement

Eric Garcia’s importance has grown. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

One area where Garcia may struggle is in more open, chaotic games, particularly in midfield. His composure can sometimes be exposed when the structure of the game unravels and passing lanes become unpredictable.

In these moments, the lack of a settled defensive framework can highlight Garcia’s limitations, especially in more frantic, expansive matches. But that doesn’t diminish his value.

As the season progresses, Garcia will continue to provide critical minutes, ensuring that Barcelona have a reliable option whenever required.

He may not always be the headline player, but his role as a utility man, always ready to step in when needed, is a crucial part of Barcelona’s strength.

In the end, the “useful medicine” that Garcia provides will always be there, offering stability when the team needs it most.