Within the corridors of FC Barcelona, there is a growing sense of satisfaction surrounding one of the team’s most consistent players this season, a player who has not only met expectations but exceeded them, becoming an indispensable element of Hansi Flick’s system thanks to his tactical versatility and consistent performances in various positions.

We are talking about Eric Garcia, who has had a remarkable season, whether at center-back, on the flanks, or even when deployed as a defensive midfielder. This versatility, coupled with his composure in building play and his tactical discipline, has earned him the full trust of both the dressing room and the coaching staff.

Support from the New Generation of Stars

This brilliance has not gone unnoticed within the team. Both Lamine Yamal and Pedri believe their teammate deserves a bigger step up, considering him one of the best center-backs in Spain today. They argue that his inclusion in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad would be logical and well-deserved given his contributions on the pitch.

The duo’s perspective is not solely based on Eric’s defensive performance, but also on his ability to adapt to multiple roles within a match—a rare quality that provides any coach with multiple solutions in critical moments.

The National Team Selection Dilemma

Despite this, the path to the national team appears more complicated. Luis de la Fuente, despite his frequent pronouncements about the principle of equal opportunities, relies practically on a fixed core of players and shows clear reluctance to make radical changes in the back line, thus limiting the chances for new names to emerge.

This reality has created the impression within football circles that Eric Garcia is not receiving the recognition his true level deserves, especially given his consistent performances with Barcelona compared to some of the current players in the “La Roja” squad.

A Question Arises

With this level of performance continuing, the debate intensifies:

How long can a player delivering such performances be ignored?

If Eric Garcia continues to assert himself in this manner, the national team’s coaching staff may be forced to reconsider… sooner or later.