Eric Garcia: from being close to leaving to becoming Barça´s most solid defender

Eric Garcia is going through an outstanding moment and is currently the fittest defender of FC Barcelona. His performance was demonstrated against a top-level rival like the current European champion, PSG. While Koundé struggled with Nuno Gomes, Gerard Martín had difficulties with Barcola, and Cubarsí couldn´t arrive in time for Mayulu´s goal, Eric stood out again. The center-back, who was substituted because in his own words "I was exhausted, my calf cramped up, but nothing more", completed a very solid match that extends his great start to the season and confirms Flick´s bet, the coach who insisted the most that he should stay when it seemed he had one foot out of the club.

Only Pedri has more minutes

Eric will be ready to visit Sevilla FC this weekend at the Sánchez Pizjuán. He is currently the second player with the most minutes played in the squad with 642’, only surpassed by Pedri (776’). Of the 9 official matches played so far, he has been a starter in 7. In addition, he has once again demonstrated his versatility: he can play as a right back, in his natural position as a center-back, and he has even performed well as a left back when the team has required it. A true wildcard.

???? Position unlocked: Eric can also play as a left back pic.twitter.com/NUAcRVo9JY

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) September 21, 2025

A physical and mental leap

At just 24 years old, Eric Garcia is going through a stage of maturity that is reflected in two key aspects: physical and mental. Physically, he looks stronger and more prepared to withstand greater demands; mentally, he has gained great confidence, which directly impacts his performance on the field.

The decisive role of Flick

The support of Hansi Flick has been fundamental in this evolution. The German coach convinced Eric to stay at Barça last winter and not to go to Girona. He assured him that if he maintained his progress, he would have opportunities, and time has proven him right. Eric needed a high-level match to clear up any doubts that may still have existed, which are becoming fewer. And he achieved it. Despite the defeat against PSG (Gonçalo Ramos´ 1-2 came after his substitution), he delivered a very notable performance in the 86 minutes he was on the pitch: 4 clearances, 2 interceptions, 2 successful tackles, 6 duels won, 6 accurate long passes, and a 93% passing accuracy (56 of 60).