Eric Garcia is enjoying a superb season at Barcelona and has become a vital player for Hansi Flick’s side, with his ability to play in a variety of positions a key asset.
The 24-year-old, who signed a new contract until 2031 at the end of last year, is now being tipped to take over the captain’s armband at Camp Nou and lead the club for a long time.
Former La Masia coach Franc Artiga has been talking about Eric and thinks he has what it takes to captain the side.
“We are seeing the Eric we saw at La
Masia and I am convinced that he will be the captain of Barça for many years,” he told Sport.
“Knowing his leadership capacity that he showed in the youth academy, these skills will be shown more and more in the first team.”
Artiga also spoke about why Eric is thriving under Flick after previously looking destined to leave Barcelona.
“Flick’s style of play favours Eric a lot no matter what position he is in. The position that surprises me the most is that of pivot but I think that as an alternative to Koundé I see him very well,” he added.
“The departure of three centre-backs is great for him as he anticipates, runs very well at the back and with the ball he is very good.”
The former Barca coach also says that Garcia commands respect all around the club due to his knowledge of the game and the way he conducts himself.
“My memory of Eric is very good, he is one of the players you remember with respect because he is one of the players who has taught us coaches what it is to be a footballer of La Masia. His ball output, his way of playing is total Barça DNA,” he said.
“In terms of the idea of play, in terms of behavior, in the way he has of being a base player, Eric is an example. He is one of the most respected footballers at La Masia not only by his teammates but by other generations. He is an example.”
Flick has already admitted this season that he thinks Eric could be captain. After seeing him extend his contract at the club he said: “He is very important in the dressing room. He could be captain in the future, he gives everything for this club.”
