Barcelona is experiencing a moment of defensive stability that few could've imagined just a few months ago. Jules Koundé has just renewed his contract until 2030, consolidating himself as an essential piece in Hansi Flick's system. However, the Catalan club already has an unexpected replacement that has surprised everyone.
The Frenchman, who was indisputable during the last campaign, played 53 official matches and barely rested due to a muscle problem. The lack of rotations forced the coaching staff to push him in several phases, increasing the risk of relapses. In that context, a footballer appeared whom no one expected and who has earned his place through hard work.
That player is Eric García, who went from being on the way out to becoming a defensive guarantee. At the end of December, everything pointed to him leaving on loan to Real Sociedad or Girona. However, Flick stopped that operation and ended up strongly backing him in the final stretch of the season.
Koundé is key at Barça | @FCBarcelona
From transferable to essential piece in a few months
Eric's case is paradigmatic within the current Barça. In the first part of the season, he barely accumulated minutes, being relegated to the bench in most matches. His situation seemed unsustainable and the idea of leaving in search of prominence was more than real.
Everything changed with the wave of injuries that hit the team between December and January. Flick needed alternatives and decided to try the Martorell native in different positions, including right back. The result was so positive that he ended up consolidating himself in a role that no one had imagined for him.
His best showing came in Lisbon, during the European clash against Benfica. There, he delivered a memorable match, capped with a decisive goal that definitively opened the doors to the starting line-up for him. From that moment on, Flick's trust in him was total and he was no longer a residual substitute.
Eric García scored a goal, kept Vinícius under control, and won most of the duels | @FCBarcelona
Versatility as the ultimate argument
What has most impressed the coaching staff is Eric García's ability to adapt. He can play as a center back, defensive midfielder, or right back with confidence, something highly valued in a locker room full of competition. That versatility allows Flick to move pieces without losing solidity or quality in the starting eleven.
In the current season, his prominence has been kept from day one. Against Mallorca, Eric was part of the starting eleven while Koundé surprisingly began on the bench. This gesture makes it clear that the German coach considers him a reliable alternative in any circumstance.
Flick himself has publicly highlighted his commitment, professionalism, and ability to perform whenever required. In a Barça that seeks intensity and constant competitiveness, those qualities are valued even more than individual talent.
Eric García with Barça | @FCBarcelona
A free signing worth its weight in gold
Eric García's case is special because, in sporting and economic terms, he represents a free signing for Barça. He arrived at the time from Manchester City on a free transfer and, after many initial doubts, he has now greatly increased his value. The Catalan club believes that, without having invested a single euro in his transfer, it has found a top-level footballer.
Comparisons with Jules Koundé quickly arise in conversations among the culé fanbase. For many, the Martorell native offers defensive security and ball control that even surpass the Frenchman. All this without the enormous financial cost that bringing Koundé from Sevilla entailed.
The board celebrates that Flick has recovered a player who seemed lost to the project. Even more so when the economic situation forces them to find internal solutions before turning to the market. Eric has become a perfect example of how to intelligently manage one's own resources.
Koundé with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Barça's schedule will be long and demanding, with La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa on the horizon. That means rotations will be necessary and players like Eric García will have guaranteed prominence. His performance will make the difference in decisive moments of the season.
For Flick, his presence also provides a guarantee in case of new injuries or suspensions of the usual starters. That peace of mind is what makes Eric an indispensable resource and a definitive right back for the project. At 23 years old, he still has room for improvement and a long future at Camp Nou.
For all these reasons, in Barcelona he is already considered one of the season's biggest surprises. Without multi-million signings or risky operations, Flick has found a key reinforcement within his own squad. The message is clear: Barça already has the definitive right back, much better than Koundé and completely free.
