"Both players had a brilliant game against Atletico Madrid. Garcia, in particular, was a vital cog in the Barcelona midfield. Deployed in the double pivot alongside Pedri, the Spaniard was immense. The 24-year-old was the heartbeat of Barcelona's pressing game. He completed 40 of 47 passes, facilitating the team's build-up with precision. His defensive contribution was equally vital. Garcia recorded two recoveries, won four of six ground duels, and made four clearances, proving to be an effective shield against Atletico's counter-attacks."
"Tasked with containing Atletico's dangerous forwards, the young defender produced a stellar shift. Despite an early yellow card, he remained composed, winning both of his aerial duels and making eight clearances. His ability to play out from the back was crucial for Flick's system, as he completed 59 passes with only six errors. He even showcased his vision by creating a scoring opportunity with a pass into the final third."
Barcelona relied on defenders to neutralise Atlético Madrid's attack, with Eric Garcia operating as a makeshift pivot and Gerard Martin at centre-back amid Ronald Araujo's rest and Frenkie de Jong's absence. Garcia completed 40 of 47 passes, formed a double pivot with Pedri, executed key recoveries, won ground duels and made clearances that shielded counter-attacks, and is expected to receive a new contract soon. Martin partnered Pau Cubarsi, won aerial duels, made eight clearances, completed 59 passes with six errors, created a chance into the final third, and showed composure and ball-playing ability across consecutive league starts.
Read at Barca Universal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]