Since manager Hansi Flick emphatically dismissed speculation about a January exit on 3 January, the Catalan defender's stock has soared. His rapid progress has transformed him into a genuine rival for Jules Kounde's spot at right-back, a position the Frenchman had dominated unchallenged until Garcia's standout performance in a starting role against Mallorca.

"No departure is on the cards. Eric is a valuable player for us. He was sidelined by injury, but he's sharp, versatile, and professional. We rate him highly and have no intention of letting him go," Hansi Flick declared in January, quashing rumours of an imminent move to Girona. At the time, Garcia had struggled for minutes, with the centre-back pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez appearing near-untouchable.

However, Garcia's fortunes shifted dramatically after Flick's public backing. Initially, he alternated between defensive midfield and centre-back roles, but a pivotal moment arrived in April when Jules Kounde suffered a distal biceps femoris injury in his left leg.

Stepping into the right-back role, Garcia seized his opportunity. His debut in the position came against Mallorca, followed by daunting tests in both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Inter, as well as four key La Liga matches, including El Clasico and the Catalan derby.

Across these seven appearances at right-back, Garcia showcased impressive composure, netting two goals, in the Champions League semi-final second leg and against Real Madrid, and providing two assists, against Mallorca and Villarreal.

For the first time, Kounde faced serious competition. The Frenchman, who had played 104 consecutive matches for club and country since 28 November 2023, was no longer the undisputed choice. His streak, which spanned every official Barcelona and France game, either as a starter or substitute, ended in April 2025.

Garcia's momentum carried into the summer, where he impressed during pre-season. Flick showed no hesitation in naming him the starting right-back for the Joan Gamper Trophy and, crucially, the La Liga opener against Mallorca.

For Kounde, previously rested only under exceptional circumstances, the sight of Garcia claiming his spot in the 2025-26 season opener signalled a new reality.

As Barcelona prepare for their upcoming clash against Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia on Saturday, the right-back position remains a hot topic. Garcia's emergence has disrupted the status quo, leaving Kounde's once-guaranteed role in doubt. The battle for the position promises to be fiercely contested.

Recent posts on X from trusted sources, including Barcelona's official account, confirm Eric Garcia's strong pre-season showings and his inclusion in the starting XI for the Mallorca match. A post from @FCBarcelona on 15 August praised Garcia's versatility, stating, "Eric Garcia's adaptability is a key asset for the squad this season."

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde's response on X, posted on 18 August, showed a competitive edge: "Ready to fight for my place and help the team win."

Eric Garcia's rise at Barcelona challenges Jules Kounde's reign at right-back