Barcelona ‘all-rounder’ likely to start over La Masia starlet in second leg vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

Eric Garcia has completely turned his situation around at Barcelona. From wanting to leave for Girona during the winter transfer window, he has become a key player under Hansi Flick.

The manager refused to let him go, and time is proving him right. Today, Eric is the ideal utility player, an ‘all-rounder’ capable of filling multiple roles to meet the team’s needs – be it at centre-back, defensive midfield or right-back.

Set to start at right-back vs Inter

As such, SPORT reports that Garcia is expected to continue on the right side as long as Jules Kounde remains unavailable through injury after impressing in the 3-3 draw against Inter Milan last night.

While Hector Fort is the natural replacement, Flick has yet to place full trust in the youngster. Fort may feature on Saturday in Valladolid to rest Garcia, who is now the frontrunner to start in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final vs Inter Milan.

Garcia started at right-back vs Mallorca in the last league match to rest Kounde and stepped in again last night when the Frenchman was injured.

Impressing with his versatile nature. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

The Spanish defender’s ball control and distribution suit the role. He also links up effectively with Lamine Yamal, with whom he combines fluidly, and remains alert in defensive duties.

Versatile asset

It must be noted that Garcia began the season playing as a holding midfielder, covering for the injured Marc Bernal and a still-recovering Frenkie de Jong.

However, with Marc Casado as the preferred starter, Garcia was limited to a backup role, which led him to consider an exit from the club.

As the season progressed and rotations increased, Flick reinstated him as a central defender. In particular, Garcia formed an effective partnership with Pau Cubarsi.

During the Champions League group stage match against Benfica, Flick brought Garcia on as a right-back in the second half to replace Kounde, further highlighting his versatility.

The ex-Manchester City ace performed well and even scored one of the goals in a thrilling 4-5 comeback win, following which Flick took note and began to consider him seriously for the right-back role.

Now, with Kounde out injured, Garcia is set to fill in at right-back in some crucial matches for Barcelona.