Eric Garcia: I wouldn’t say Yamal is the same as Messi because there is only one Messi

Barcelona central defender Eric Garcia accepted an exclusive interview with "Daily Sports" and talked about training to face Yamal, his friend Ansu Fati, team injuries, the World Cup and other topics.

I also want to ask you about a few specific names, such as Rashford. He is a player from the Premier League, a league you know very well. What do you think is the biggest challenge he faces at this Barcelona?

"I think the Premier League game is more open, more back and forth, there may be more space for the forwards, and here the opponent will wait deeper and not have as much space behind him, and he is an explosive player who is good at attacking space. I think this is a little different from what he has been in the Premier League before, and he is showing that He is also very dangerous in one-on-one situations, he can help us in multiple positions, he is a very important player. He has this versatility, he can play as a left winger, a forward, a right winger, which is very important in the club. "

You must often face Yamal in training. Is there any way to stop him?

"Well, it's difficult, very difficult. He has talent, he has ability, and obviously Messi is the only one, and then him. I think he has some very similar qualities, although I wouldn't say he is the same as Messi, because there is only one Messi. "

In preseason, you said the player that surprised you the most was Dello, what makes him so special?

"He is a player who turns very well between the defenses and uses his feet very well. Wow, for me personally, as a kid born in 2008, I think he surprised me very much. Olmo is injured, Fermin is recovering from injury, and I think he will have a chance and people will see the innate talent that only certain players have. "

Another young player that you are familiar with is Fati. Do you see him enjoying football again?

"Yes, enjoyed it a lot. He totally deserves it. I spoke to him the other day and congratulated him. Ansu needs a little bit like what I did when I went to Girona, to get that consistency, that confidence, to find game time, to play more games. We are not trying to rediscover the French. Ti, it’s not like I just discovered that he is talented and capable of scoring goals now, because he has always been there. In Monaco, he looks like a different player from when he started in Barcelona; the explosive winger is now more like a midfielder who connects the game. Was that transformation already visible in training last season, or is he still devastating one-on-one?

"I think he still has that spark, but, football evolves very quickly. I think if Fati has any merit, it's his technical quality when turning in tight spaces and looking for passes. He's a winger, but with that delicate touch of an attacking midfielder. I remember when we were young together. In football, he often plays as a false nine. This is a position he is familiar with and he created a lot of threats in this position in Monaco. As I just said, it is very important to have the versatility to play multiple positions. "

We are almost at the end, but there is still a key word that has not appeared: renewal. Your contract is about to expire. Last season you were hesitant about returning to Girona. How is your situation now?

"Conversations are ongoing and we hope to have a good result as soon as possible. "

In other words, you are only considering staying at Barcelona

"Yes. "

We have seen a lot of injuries at the beginning of this season. What do you think is the reason?

"I can’t tell. After all, Olmo’s injury, no matter how small it is, happened outside the club, and so did Lewandowski’s. Garvey had a knee problem, and so did Joan. I think these two situations are uncontrollable. I mean, accidental knee injuries can happen to anyone, no matter what. Whether in training or in games. These are injuries to players that are important to us, but the season is long and I think we have enough lineup to compete well. As the injured continue to return, we will become stronger. "

This is a World Cup year, have you considered the national team? Is this something you're worried about?

"Obviously it's exciting stuff, but I'm calm. I try to do my job. It's not up to me, so I don't worry or overthink it too much, because I know what I have to do to be happy with myself and to get good results for the club, and then if the national team coach decides to call me up, that's great, and if not, that's okay. "

Finally. Two small questions. First, who do you think is the most underrated player in Barcelona at the moment?

"Hmm! I think maybe De Jong is one, and there are two attacking midfielders, Fermin and Olmo. When both of us are in good condition, the effect is very obvious. They are two players who can score goals, assists, and fight hard. Olmo can also play as a false nine, and they can play together. I think they are two very important players in our team. "

Last question, what was your last search using ChatGPT?

"I think I searched something about coffee, we need coffee in the locker room, see where I can get it. "