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Barcelona boss Xavi reveals he played Eric Garcia in midfield after Jordi Cruyff urged him to try the defender in the holding role last year... and says staff have been 'testing him' in training after he starred in the team's 4-0 win over Elche

Xavi has credited Barcelona's sporting director Jordi Cruyff with the idea to use Eric Garcia in midfield after the former Manchester City defender starred in Saturday's 4-0 win over Elche.

Barcelona starred in a midfield trio alongside Sergi Roberto and Gavi as the LaLiga leaders established a 15-point lead at the top of the league table.

Garcia re-joined Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021 after previously leaving the club he spent his youth years at.

His future at the Nou Camp has been uncertain amid interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal, but recent success deploying him in midfield has received glowing reviews from Xavi.