Barcelona star’s new role confirmed in starting XI to face Monaco | OneFootball

The new role entrusted to a member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has on Thursday night been confirmed.

The player in question? Eric García.

Defender Eric, of course, has taken his place front and centre in the chatter surrounding Barcelona over the course of recent weeks.

This comes after word was forthcoming in the media that the former Manchester City man was being tested in a new role, in front of the defence.

Owing to an injury crisis in the middle of the park in Hansi Flick’s squad, Eric, who has played in a deep-lying midfield role in short spurts over his career, was utilised as part of a two-man pivot on the training ground.

And, on Thursday, the Spanish international looks set to take to the pitch in the same role in a competitive setting.

This comes with Eric having been named in Barca’s starting XI to face Monaco in the club’s Champions League season opener.

The 23-year-old is expected to join Marc Casadó at the base of the Blaugrana’s engine room, with Pedri moved into the sidelined Dani Olmo’s spot in attacking midfield.

Check out Hansi Flick’s line-up to take to the pitch at the Stade Louis II below:

Conor Laird | GSFN