In an interview with "Què t'hi jugues!" on Cadena SER, Eric Garcia backed a podium filled entirely with Barcelona players and named Yamal as the top candidate. "For me, the podium should be all Barcelona players. Yamal should win. It's truly remarkable that Pedri and Raphinha aren't on the list," he said.

The player also expanded his list of candidates, believing other teammates should also be recognized: "Cubarsi – in the 30-man list – and Dani Olmo and Fermín should be included too, but I think Yamal should be the one to win." When asked about his top three, he was clear: "Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha."

As a key player for the team, coach Flick has played an important role in his recent development. "I didn't play much in my first year, but he gave me confidence. Against Benfica on January 21, 2025, I came on as a substitute and scored, then I got injured, and when I returned, he gave me incredible confidence," he recalled.

This season, he has been a starter in all four matches he's played as a right-back, though he can also play center-back and defensive midfield. "I've always played center-back, but I'm also comfortable as a right-back, thanks to my loan year at Girona. I really enjoy this position," he said. Eric's ambitions don't stop there. He laughed while admitting he's already asked the German coach to let him try another position: "I told him, one day, let me play as a striker."

After his teammates voted him into the captains' group, Eric also spoke about this season's goals. Barcelona have had a promising start, and he believes the team is ready to compete for all titles, particularly highlighting the Champions League as a primary objective. "The last two years we've been close, but it comes down to details. We have a complete and very strong squad, the Champions League has to be our target," he said.

The defender also evaluated the quality of the new signings and Flick's high demands in training. "The quality of training is very high," he said. "Antony and Karim Adeyemi can bring something different and both have experience. Karim always wants the ball played behind the defense, Gabriel will also help us, and Rodri in midfield, I don't need to say much, everyone knows him well. These are top-tier signings."

During the conversation with Cadena SER, Ferran Torres was also mentioned. He joined Paris Saint-Germain this past summer, and PSG will face Barcelona in the Champions League group stage on October 20. Eric said he has maintained his friendship with Ferran. "I spoke with Ferran today. He's happy and looking forward to our match in Paris. We'll give each other some stick. We're friends," he explained.

The interview also had its lighter moments. Eric recently suffered a deviated septum injury at Valencia and will wear a protective mask for his nose for the next two months, joking that he looks like "Zorro or Batman." With Barcelona targeting everything, Eric Garcia faces an even more important season both on and off the pitch: as captain and with the versatility he offers to Flick.

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