Jack-of-all-trades player set to enjoy a more prominent role at Barcelona next season – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s success in the 2024/25 season belonged as much to the important squad players as it did to the starters and it was a collective effort that helped the Catalan club wrap up the domestic treble in Hansi Flick’s first season at the club.

There were many players in the Barcelona squad who were not regular starters but had crucial roles to play for squad depth. One person that fits perfectly into this profile is Eric Garcia, who has been brilliant to say the least.

Eric started off the campaign providing cover in defensive midfield in the absence of Frenkie de Jong through injury. He then alternated between midfield and central defence through the middle part of the season. Following Jules Kounde’s injury, he is now finishing the season as a right-back.

At home at right-back

Eric has been brilliant for Barcelona this season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Of the three roles, the 24-year-old has looked best as the right-back. He did not allow wingers like Vinicius Jr. and Nico Williams complete even one dribble against him which is something even naturals in that position struggle to do.

Now, as per SPORT, the jack-of-all-trades player is set to enjoy a more prominent role under Hansi Flick at Barcelona next season. The club want to get him to sign a new contract and he has emerged indispensable under the German coach.

Modern day Sergi Roberto

Eric Garcia is emulating former captain Sergi Roberto. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

What Eric adds to the team is invaluable and cannot be bought in the market. He has emerged as a more refined version of former club captain Sergi Roberto, doing exactly what the Spaniard used to do but with more aplomb.

Barcelona might be tempted to cash out Eric this summer when his stocks have never been higher but the work it takes to replace his impact will not be worth the transfer fee. Thus, aiming to keep him is undoubtedly the right decision.

With a new contract likely on the horizon, Garcia seems poised for an even bigger role in the Blaugrana setup. Only time will reveal just how pivotal he becomes in Barcelona’s next chapter.