Xavi experiments with Barcelona centre-back as a defensive midfielder in training

Barcelona were blessed with a golden generation of La Masia graduates during the mid to late 2000s, with legendary footballers like Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets gracing the field together.

That team, managed by Pep Guardiola, ruled the sport, winning two Champions Leagues, including a treble. While Barcelona have been on the lookout for the replacements for those players, Busquets remains an enigma, and in practice, irreplaceable.

Soon 34, though, the captain is at the last juncture of his career, and cannot play week in, week out. Currently without an immediate back up, Xavi is experimenting in training with Eric Garcia as the defensive midfielder, according to Sique Rodriguez.

A centre-back by trade, Garcia has quite a few of traits to fill in as a defensive midfielder. He’s blessed with excellent passing and comfort in possession, and is solid enough defensively to field in as a half-back when needed.

This news would especially be music to the ears of Barcelona fans, who have, on several occasions, called for this experiment.

Garcia has not had a good enough debut season at Barça. Not only has he given away two penalties, but he’s also earned himself two red cards. Further, his less-than-convincing positioning has exposed the backline often during defensive transitions.

Barcelona should not worry too much about their centre-backs in case this experiment proves to be fruitful. Gerard Pique has already assured that he will not be retiring any time soon, and Ronald Araujo is more than ready to play at the top level for the next decade.

Not to mention Andreas Christensen, who is on his way to becoming a Barcelona player next season.