Eric Garcia: Ballon d'Or podium should be all Barcelona players, Yamal deserves to win

In an interview on Cadena SER's "Què t'hi jugues!" program, Eric Garcia strongly advocated for a podium full of Barcelona players, singling out Yamal as the top candidate. "For me, the podium should be all Barcelona players. Yamal should win. It's incredible that Pedri and Raphinha aren't on the list," he said.

The player also expanded his list of candidates, believing that other teammates should also be recognized: "Cubarsí – on the 30-man shortlist – and Dani (Olmo) and Fermín should also be included, but I think Yamal should win." When asked about his top three, he didn't hesitate: "Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha."

As a key player for the team, Flick has been instrumental in the player's recent development. "In the first year, I didn't play much, but he gave me confidence. Against Benfica (January 21, 2025), I came on as a substitute and scored, and after an injury, I came back and he gave me huge confidence," he recalled.

This season, he has started at right-back in all four matches he has played, though Garcia can also play as a center-back and defensive midfielder. "I've always played center-back, but I'm also comfortable at right-back, thanks to my loan year at Girona. I like this position," he stated. Eric's ambition goes even further. He admitted with a laugh that he has already asked the German coach to let him try other positions: "I told him, 'Let me play as a striker someday.'"

After his teammates elected him to the captain's group, Eric also spoke about the team's goals for the season. Barcelona's season has started promisingly, and he believes the team is ready to compete for all titles, especially targeting the Champions League as a major objective. "In the past two years, we've fallen short by a little, due to details. We have a complete and strong squad, and the Champions League must be a goal," he said.

The defender also commented on the quality of the new signings and Flick's high demands in training. "The training quality is very high," he stated. "Koundé and Adeyemi can bring something different, and both have experience. Adeyemi always wants the ball in behind, Koundé will also help us, and Pedri in midfield – I don't need to say more, everyone knows him well. These are high-level signings."

During the conversation with Cadena SER, the topic of Ferran Torres was also brought up. The player joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and PSG will face Barcelona in the Champions League group stage on October 20. Eric said that he has maintained his friendship with him. "I spoke with Ferran today. He's happy and also looking forward to playing against us in Paris. We'll tease each other. We are friends," he explained.

The interview also had its lighthearted moments. Eric recently suffered a deviated septum injury in Valencia and will have to wear a protective mask for the next two months, joking that he looks like "Zorro or Batman." With Barcelona aiming to win everything, Eric Garcia is entering a season of greater importance both on and off the field: captaincy and the versatility he provides to Flick.

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