In an interview with Cadena SER's "Què t'hi jugues!" program, Eric García voiced support for having FC Barcelona players on the podium and named Lamine Yamal as his top contender. "In my opinion, the podium should be entirely Barcelona players. Lamine Yamal should win it. It's incredible that Pedri and Raphinha aren't even on the list," he said.

The player also expanded the list of contenders, believing other teammates deserve recognition as well: "Pau Cubarsí – who is on the 30-man list – and Dani (Olmo) and Fermín should be included too, but I think Lamine Yamal should win it." When asked about his top three, he didn't hesitate: "Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha."

As an important player in Flick's squad, the manager has played a key role in the player's recent development. "I didn't play much in my first year, but he gave me confidence. In the match against Benfica on January 21, 2025, I came on as a substitute and scored. Then after getting injured, I came back, and he showed great confidence in me," he reflected.

This season, he has started all four matches he's appeared in at right-back, but the player can also operate as a center-back and defensive midfielder. "I've always played center-back, but I'm comfortable playing right-back too. Thanks to my loan spell at Girona for a year, I've grown to like this position," he said. Eric's ambitions don't stop there. He smiled when admitting he's asked the German coach to try him in other positions: "I told him, 'One day let me play as a striker.'"

After being elected to the captaincy by his teammates, Eric also addressed the season's objectives. FC Barcelona started the season with great promise, and he believes the team is ready to compete for every title, particularly emphasizing that the Champions League is the main goal. "Over the past two years we've come close. 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 assessed the quality of the new signings and Flick's high training standards. "The training quality is very high," he said. "Antony (Gordon) and Karim (Adeyemi) can bring new things, and both have experience. Karim always wants the ball behind the defense. Gabriel will help us a lot, and Rodri in midfield – I don't need to say much. Everyone knows him well. These are top-level signings."

During the conversation with Cadena SER, the topic of Ferran Torres came up. The player moved to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and PSG will face FC Barcelona in the Champions League group stage on October 20. Eric said he's maintained his friendship with him. "I spoke to Ferran today. He's happy and looking forward to us playing in Paris. We'll joke around. We're friends," he explained.

The interview also had its lighter moments. Eric recently suffered a cartilage injury in his nasal cavity at Valencia and will wear a protective mask for the next two months. He joked that he looks like "Zorro or Batman." With FC Barcelona aiming for everything, Eric García is facing an increasingly important season both on and off the pitch: as captain and with the versatility he offers Flick.

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