Eric Garcia on Barça’s Champions League Ambitions, New Role as Full-Back, and Lamine Yamal’s Ballon d’Or Worthiness

Speaking during a series of media appearances surrounding international duty and a recent municipal tribute in Martorell, Garcia pointed to Yamal’s staggering impact on the pitch as clear evidence of his candidacy. The 25-year-old utility player, who is currently preparing for Spain’s UEFA Nations League opener against England at Wembley Stadium, noted that Yamal’s extraordinary abilities evoke memories of Lionel Messi’s early years at Camp Nou.

You just have to watch a match to clearly see that he is a very differential player and that he still has a lot of room for improvement.”

A Crowded Field of Contenders at Camp Nou

Garcia made it clear that Yamal is not the only Blaugrana star worthy of global individual honors. The defender also named Raphinha, Pedri, Pau Cubarsí, and Dani Olmo as players operating at a level worthy of recognition, alongside Spain midfielder Rodri. In typical lighthearted fashion, Garcia joked that since Rodri has already secured a Ballon d’Or, the Manchester City star could afford to pass one along to a teammate.

Following a summer that included international success with Spain’s World Cup squad—an achievement that recently earned Garcia the Medalla al Mèrit Esportiu de la Vila in his hometown of Martorell—the defender emphasized that the Catalan club harbors genuine ambitions of conquering Europe this season.

“We have the ambition and the desire to win,” Garcia explained. “We missed out on the Champions League the last couple of years, reaching the semifinals and the quarterfinals. If we manage to win the Champions League, along with La Liga and the Copa del Rey, we would make history.”

Tactical Adaptation and Squad Maturity

On the pitch, Garcia has successfully carved out a versatile role under Hansi Flick, frequently featuring as a right-back who tucks inside during build-up play—a tactical continuation of the system he previously experienced under Míchel at Girona. Despite sustaining a nasal impact in a clash involving Rodri that requires him to wear a protective mask, Garcia expressed contentment with his current tactical responsibilities.

“At the start of this season at Barça I am playing there, I feel comfortable, and in the end, as I have always said, I try to contribute wherever I am needed,” Garcia said. He credited the squad’s improved maturity and patience for their strong early-season form, noting that the integration of experienced winners like Rodri has added crucial balance to a youthful group.

Regarding his defensive partnership and tactical coordination with Yamal on the right flank, Garcia highlighted the forward’s defensive commitment this term. “When attacking, it’s easy,” Garcia noted. “I have to see if one player goes or two. If one goes, I leave him space to do one-on-ones; if two go, I try to help him. And then, without the ball, I think this year he is very involved, and he is showing it.”

Next Up at Wembley

Garcia and the Spain national team face their next test this Saturday at Wembley Stadium, taking on England in the opening fixture of the UEFA Nations League.