Eric Garcia (loaned to Girona)

Donatello said:

He made the right decision.

We don't trust La Masia as we used to. He already had Umtiti and Pique ahead of him, then we bought Lenglet and Todibo. We are also rumored to buy De Ligt.

Not defending Pep, but had he stayed, he wouldn't have got the chance anyways. At City, Pep believed in him, he had an easier route to first team and still challenge for the same trophies plus the money.

Harsh but true.

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Donatello said:

He made the right decision.

We don't trust La Masia as we used to. ot defending Pep, but had he stayed, he wouldn't have got the chance anyways. At City, Pep believed in him, he had an easier route to first team

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Alik said:

Not true.

We signed Lenglet in the summer of 2018, and Todibo this year.

Eric Garcia was signed in the summer of 2017.

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khaled_a_d said:

Which players did Pep promote that he wasn't coaching with B team? How many youth players he promoted in Bayern?
Pep might leave in 2022 when his contract is over, by that time Laporte & Stones are going to be at their primes too, and De Ligt is also linked to them. Not sure how it is easier route to 1st team

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Donatello said:

That doesn't change anything. Had he not moved, he would've still considered as a prospect & we still would've made those signings.

Look at Alena and Puig, they are even better prospects, but still we signed Arthur, Coutinho, De Jong and maybe Rabiot. Not saying those are bad signings, but the board simply trusts more proven players rather than academy prospects.

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Pep Guardiola says Eric Garcia shares similarities with Barcelona great, Sergio Busquets.
The 18-year-old defender has impressed the Manchester City boss with his thirst for tactical knowledge since stepping up into the first team environment.

It’s a rare trait in one so young, Guardiola admits, but it’s something he recalls identifying in the young Busquets, who he helped become one of the finest holding midfielders in the world whilst at Barcelona.

“Busquets [was like that] when he was young,” the Catalan said when asked if Garcia reminds him of any other player he’s worked with.

“When I was in the second team at Barcelona and the first team, he was so curious. In that age, at 17 or 18-years-old, there are not many.

“But in the squad, there are people who love to understand the tactics and guys who don’t like to talk about that. That doesn’t mean you’re good or bad.

“He’s just 18-years-old and has lots to learn, but he is so clever,” added Guardiola. “Everything you say to him, he understands immediately.

“I heard something when he was in the Barcelona academy, that he was a captain in all the teams,” explained the boss.

“He arrived here and immediately he was captain. That means he settled incredibly well with the team. He is an incredibly lovely guy, very well educated and always knows exactly what he has to do.

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Andresito said:

I think he can blossom into one of the world's best defenders from what I've seen. Rarely puts a foot wrong.

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JamDav1982 said:

Seen of him where?

He has barely played for City and not shown that level. He looks good on ball but maybe a bit slow.

Pep is not relying on him and putting Fernandinho back in defence and will most likely buy another CB.

Folk are going over top as Pep speaks about him and was sought after as a highly rated Barca youngster. If was English folk would barely bat an eyey lid as not seen enough of him yet.

No chance is he worth 40m to Barca right now.

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Andresito said:

Well he's played almost 8 full games worth of minutes for the senior side this season. He looked good even if it's too early to draw any conclusions.
He was solid last season as well.

Many have questioned Pep on why he doesn't play Garcia more. I'm not Pep so I can't give an answer, but I guess he went for Fernandinho's leadership instead.

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