Manchester City defender Eric Garcia may only be 18-years-old but he’s already making quite the name for himself.
The Spaniard was handed a Premier League start versus Everton on Wednesday and impressed as his side overcame Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees to move back to within a point of Leicester City in second place.
Pep Guardiola’s troubles at centre-back have been well-documented this season and, in the eyes of many, it’s one of the key reasons as to why they find themselves so far behind the league leaders Liverpool. However, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss’ faith in Garcia appears to be paying off with the young defender looking more and more assured with each opportunity he is presented with.
Should Pep Guardiola put his faith in Eric Garcia?
Yes
No
The supporters have recognised this and are backing the former Barcelona defender to become a star of the future after City Chief posed the question to their followers on Twitter.
Super disciplined defender. You would think he’s a seasoned veteran. He’s good enough to start alongside Laporte.
— Caruso Stan (@caruso_stan) January 2, 2020
He is incredible.. And he deserve to start every game ????
— Lennon ? (@LennonElnino) January 2, 2020
Superb
— Segundrumz (@iamoluwasegun2) January 2, 2020
Gave Otamendi a MasterClass on defending
— The Don (@Tshiamomrg) January 2, 2020
He’s been so good, if he keeps up like this for the rest of the season. Then Stones and Otamendi is in big trouble.
Of course. He should be our main backup CB when Laporte returns.
— Aditya (@Adi_MCFCOK) January 2, 2020
The guy is class….. Fast, great on the ball and reads the game very well, mature beyond his years ??
— SALSA BOY (@barryd384) January 2, 2020
What do we think?
Garcia, who is already valued at £6.3m by TransferMarkt, has a long way to go before establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s top central-defenders but the early signs appear to be positive.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly claimed that he will not look to sign a defender during the January transfer window, which should, in theory, mean the young defender will be given more opportunities. With Aymeric Laporte still recovering from a long-term injury and both John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi seemingly out-of-form, the Spaniard is likely to get the opportunity to stake his claim for one of those positions as City look ahead to next season.