Eric García went from being just another substitute at FC Barcelona to becoming an 'all-rounder', that is, a fundamental player. It is worth remembering that last season he played as a pivot, defender and, finally, as a right-back, where he is gaining ground.
In that sense, the '24' returns to sneak into the starting IX of the azulgrana team this time in Barça's league debut against RCD Mallorca at Son MOIX, considering that he also started the match in the Joan Gamper Trophy, while Jules Koundé remained on the bench.
In that match, the player from Martorell had a first 45 minutes of total hierarchy, leaving no room for possible speculation about his level. Precisely, the Frenchman was the one who came on in his place, to finish a match that, once again, demonstrated the quality of the Catalan team in each of its areas.
No worries for Koundé: He is still ahead of Eric García
It should be noted that coach Hansi Flick has always been in favor of having two players for each demarcation. In the right-back position, the emergence of Eric García has been a perfect fit.
Although Jules Koundé must maintain the level of last season in order not to lose his place, for now, the Parisian is not worried that Eric is gaining prominence.
In principle, the coach's bet is mainly to take care of each of his players. The players are coming from a demanding preseason, and the coach does not want to take risks with any of his players.
The players handle the competition with total normality. Also, we must not forget that the '23' participated in 53 matches (4,423 minutes) of the 60 played by the azulgrana team, scoring 4 goals and 8 assists, in addition to understanding perfectly with Lamine Yamal on the right lane.
Eric García, the revulsive that Barça needed
The surprising performance of the '24' at right-back has meant that Barça, for now, does not have to go to the transfer market to spend a fortune on a revulsive to compete for the starting position with Koundé.
During the second half of last season, before Eric began to be used in the aforementioned demarcation, the club had Andrei Ratiu on its radar, with a value of 12 million euros, and the Brazilian Vanderson, valued at 20 M€.
Now, with García, Barça can forget about a possible investment for this demarcation and also gains a player from the academy, who understands perfectly the German coach's idea of the game, and who, if necessary, is valid to perform in two other positions, as long as he also maintains his level.