Eric Garcia in new midfield role

Xavi Hernández didn't field a typical starting XI against Elche, but perhaps the most unexpected decision of all was the one to play Eric Garcia in midfield. And after the game, the Barça manager admitted that it's an idea he might use again in the future.

Garcia showed he has all the game-reading, passing and leadership skills required to fulfil the role. He was calling for the ball, dropping back to support the defence and giving orders as if he'd been playing there all his life. It's not an easy job to do, especially in a team that bases so much of its game around midfield. But García gave ample evidence of his ability to act as a Barça playmaker, especially in the way he worked with Jordi Alba's advances down the wing.

Obviously the main reason why he was given this role in this particular game was because of the absences of Pedri and De Jong, but on Saturday he showed that he is very much an option to be considered in midfield in the future.

Jordi Cruyff's idea

Speaking after the game, Xavi confessed that "the idea had actually come from Jordi Cruyff. He insisted that Eric has what it takes to play in midfield. In recent months we've been experimenting with his position, and this week we played him in midfield in a training match against the reserves and decided he is fit for the job."

"The game was an all-round success in every sense. We played well and Eric Garcia had a fantastic match. We could have a very important defensive midfielder and I'm very pleased for him. He deserves it because he is so dedicated to the cause."