A change of position could solve Eric Garcia's ostracism

Eric Garcia has played a negligible role in recent months. The consolidation of Barça's starting eleven, based on a spectacular defence made up of Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde, has relegated him to a background role. The stats show it: in 2023 he has played 455 minutes of 1.770' possible (25%), he has only started four times (in 19 matches) and he has only completed three games from start to finish.

The situation, especially for a player who has just turned 22, is untenable. At his age, Eric needs to play regularly. Last season he reached 2,807 minutes and, for the moment, this season he barely exceeds a thousand (1,287'). The regression is unquestionable. And, as much as Xavi has said on more than one occasion that "he is not participating as much as he deserves" because of the "competition", it is a 'folder' that sooner or later will require a solution.

This Friday, in the press conference prior to Barcelona's visit to Elche, the boss acknowledged, as 'Relevo' reported earlier in the week, that a remedy could be found in a change of position: "I've been thinking about the option of Eric as a pivot for some time now. We've talked about it with him. He's a perfect fit. It's similar to what happened with Rafa Marquez. He has a good foot, he divides opponents, he's aggressive, he filters passes well and wins duels. He can adapt perfectly, yes."

In the event that Xavi's intentions with Eric Garcia are finally transferred from training to the pitch, be it at the Martínez Valero or in the next few league games, taking advantage of the 12-point cushion against Real Madrid, the Blaugrana will find the replacement for Sergio Busquets at home. At least for the final stretch of the season. In the summer we will see. The economic context, however, means this type of bet is a wise idea.

Eric's future at the Spotify Camp Nou is uncertain. If he is already having a hard time playing with continuity now, the very likely arrival of Iñigo Martínez in the summer window will make it even more difficult. Provided that there is no departure; that of one of his teammates like Christensen or even his own. Xavi counts on him for his project and values his potential, but Barça must take a step forward in competitive terms. And this, of course, requires reinforcing several positions. And this, obviously, can only be achieved with considerable investment.