Flick Has Multiple Defensive Options for Barcelona Ahead of Bilbao Clash

Barcelona is gearing up to face Athletic Bilbao this evening, in a rescheduled match from the first round of the Spanish league.

Barcelona is striving for victory to take sole possession of the top of the table, following Real Madrid's impressive win against Real Sociedad.

Hans Flick has most of his squad available, except for Gavi, which gives the German coach numerous options in the backline.

According to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Flick relied on Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, and Xavi Espart in defense against Elche, and this quartet successfully kept a clean sheet for Barcelona during the match, which ended in a victory for the Catalan team.

João Cancelo's arrival has increased the options available to Hansi Flick, granting the coach greater flexibility in shaping the defense.

At right-back, Eric Garcia has become one of Flick's primary options, with the possibility of including Jules Kounde in the starting lineup against Athletic Bilbao. The German coach has multiple choices in this position, allowing him to make adjustments based on the needs of the match.

In central defense, the duo of Christensen and Gerard Martin appeared reliable during the opening round of La Liga, but Flick will determine Pau Koubari's readiness to participate after he missed the match against Elche due to the effort he exerted during the World Cup.

Flick has other options in central defense, most notably Eric Garcia and Jules Koundé, which increases the selection space for the German coach.

In the left-back position, Flick has several alternatives at his disposal, especially considering the capabilities shown by Chavi Espart. Espart can play in all positions across the backline, making him one of the elements that provide Flick with greater tactical flexibility.

Cancelo provides an extra option on both the right and left flanks, alongside Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martin. Gerard Martin can also perform various defensive roles, increasing the tactical choices available to Barcelona's head coach.

According to "Mundo Deportivo," recent days have seen discussions about Barcelona's potential signing of a new center-back. However, with the current spending on transfers and the variety of options available, Flick has enough alternatives in the backline to compete this season.