Xavi reveals whose idea it was to play Eric Garcia in midfield - not his or the player's

The main takeaway of the game against Elche is that Eric Garcia can do a decent job in the pivot role. In the post-match interview, Xavi revealed that it wasn't he who came up with this idea.

"Eric looked very relaxed today. I think that he played very well in a new position for him. We'll see in the future. It was Jordi Cruyff’s idea to test out Eric García as a pivot," the Barcelona coach said.

"We had a friendly match with the B team and Eric did well as a pivot, with a great performance today as well. We could have a great pivot."

Jordi Cruyff is not one of Xavi's assistants, he is the head of Barca's international scouting. He did work as a coach in the past, though, and it looks like his insight has helped Xavi find a new position for a player who barely got any action in recent months.

Stats reflect Eric's solid outing in the new position as he completed 51/57 passes, 5/6 long balls, one dribble, one clearance, 2 blocks and one interception.