Eric García prevents a signing Joan Laporta expected for Barça: it's not necessary

Eric García is one of the players in Barça's squad who has started the season in the best form, becoming Hansi Flick's great wildcard. The German coach stopped the Martorell native's departure twice last season. The center-back had a great year in Montilivi and wanted to renew the loan to get more playing time.

However, after a first part of the season with few opportunities, Eric's luck changed completely. The team's multiple injuries helped him, and Eric García began to get minutes starting in January. The match played in Lisbon in the Champions League against Benfica was decisive after his great performance, including a goal.

Hansi Flick gave him the right-back position when Koundé got injured, and the La Masia graduate didn't fail; his performances were at a high level. Flick continues to show his trust in him at the start of this season, with him being the footballer who has accumulated the most minutes. He has started in the first six league matches, although against Real Sociedad, Flick decided to give him a rest.

Eric García, Flick's utility player

The defender from Martorell has become Flick's Barça's great wildcard, able to play in various positions. At the start of this season, he has played as a right-back, benching Koundé, and has also played in the center of defense. Last season, Eric was also used in midfield as a pivot.

Eric García has become a key piece in defense and a true expert in comebacks; last season, he ended up scoring 5 goals. This year, he opened his personal tally against Oviedo; it was his goal that tied the match. His performance has made him Barça's best defender at the start of this campaign, and he ended up stopping a signing for the right-back position.

Andrei Ratiu, the signing that's no longer needed

The Romanian player from Rayo was one of last season's sensations, attracting the interest of the blaugrana club. The Vallecas club bought 50% of his rights this summer, which Villarreal still held, rejecting Premier League offers that reached €18 million. Rayo currently controls 100% of the Romanian right-back's rights.

Ratiu had a spectacular debut in La Liga against Madrid at Bernabéu, completely frustrating the Brazilian Vinícius. Since then, the right-back's progression has been steady, to the point of being on the radar of major clubs like Barça. Eric García has proved, with his great versatility, that the signing of the Romanian was not necessary.